Fall 2002
Hsi-huang Chen Gaylord Coan John Meier Steve Newton Feature Archives Contact Us
Hsi-huang Chen Wins Alumni Award for Excellence
Dr. Hsi-huang Chen is one of two recipients of theAgricultural Alumni Association's 2002 Award for Excellence. Dr. Chen has distinguished himself as an international leader in agricultural development and policy analysis. He is an advisor to the Taiwan President on matters of agricultural development. As head of that nation's Ministry of Agriculture he led the nation into a new realm of international trade through accession to the World Trade Organization.
As head of Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Chen devised and implemented a massive international development program. The program has been implemented in numerous countries in Africa and Latin America. The program has already been a huge success in several countries and it is now being expanded into other countries. Through academic studies, practical policy analysis and direct policymaking, Dr. Chen has provided effective leadership in agricultural development for his country and numerous other countries around the globe.
Dr. Chen was the first Ph.D. graduate in Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia.
Gaylord Coan Wins Alumni Award for Excellence
Gaylord Coan received the Agricultural Alumni Association's 2002 Award for Excellence. Mr. Coan clearly distinguished himself as a remarkable Agribusiness leader. He headed up the giant farmer cooperative Gold Kist, Inc., which has over $2 billion in revenue annually. Before becoming Chief Executive Officer for Gold Kist in 1995, he was responsible for all grain, soybean and peanut purchasing and processing operations. He was also responsible for all Gold Kist farm supply businesses. He has been an innovative leader, increasing efficiency and volume.
He formed the highly successful enterprise Golden Peanut Company, which is the world's largest peanut handler. Golden Peanut was a joint-venture project involving major domestic and international firms in peanut processing and handling. Golden Peanut's innovations significantly improved the quality of peanuts in domestic and international markets. Mr. Coan is a director of numerous Agribusiness and financial institutions including Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Sun Trust Bank and Cotton States Insurance Companies. He has also been an effective leader in numerous industry and civic organizations.
John Meier II (‘78 BSA - Agricultural Economics) of Synovus Financial Services in Albany, Georgia has been promoted to vice president. He joined the Trust Division in 1999 and previously was associated with Security Bank and Trust Company as the residential lending manager. Meier is the president of the St. Teresa School Board, and a director and past president of Easter Seal of Southwest Georgia. He is also a member of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, Dougherty Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia.
Steve Newton is New Head of the Farm Service Agency in Georgia
Steve Newton is Now Head of the Farm Service Agency in Georgia
Steve Newton was appointed State Executive Director (SED) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Georgia, effective June 6, 2002. "Mr. Newton's leadership in promoting agriculture will be invaluable here at FSA," said FSA Administrator James Little.
Prior to being named SED, Newton was Executive Vice President for the Forest Landowners Association in Atlanta, Georgia, for 7 years. In this position, he managed key project developments and designed strategic plans for the association.Newton also has an extensive background in grain commodities and works closely with the farmers and ranchers in Georgia. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia. Steve was also president of AG Hill Council. He received a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from DePaul University. He currently serves on the Lt. Governor's Land Based Economy Assessment Committee.
FSA ensures the well-being of American agriculture, the environment, and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans; conservation and environmental programs; emergency and disaster assistance; domestic and international food assistance and international export credit programs.
Request for News and Contact Information
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics is interested in hearing from our alumni. Please inform us of your current job position or other significant accomplishments. This information can be sent by e-mail to the following address: AAECON@AGECON.UGA.EDU or mailed to us.
Department of Ag & Applied Economics
301 Conner Hall
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-7509
Phone: 706-542-2481
