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MEET THE TEAM


The Georgia Agribusiness Council boasts a dedicated team of individuals with a wide area of talents and specialties. Our staff is here to assist you in any way we can so don't hesitate to reach out! 


1655 South Elm Street
P.O. Box 119 
Commerce, GA 30529
Phone: (706) 336-6830

 

 

 

Will Bentley
President

Mr. Will Bentley joined  the Georgia Agribusiness Council in November of 2018.  Will served as the Executive Vice President of the 5,500-member Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and the Georgia Beef Board. In these roles, he has been extremely active in local, state and federal policy formulation and advocacy, and has direct lobbying experience in our Capital. He is well known in Georgia by our Elected officials and within the Agribusiness community.

Bentley is originally from Thomaston, GA., where he and his family own and operate Bentley Farms. He is a Shorter College graduate with a major in business marketing and a minor in communications. Will serves on the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Council. He is also a member of the UGA AgriAbility Board, the Macon Civic Club, the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture Board, and is a member of Leadership Georgia class of 2017.

Will is married to Ember Bishop Bentley and they have a daughter Holland. They live in Macon, GA with the family dog, Gordon. The Bentley’s attend Vineville United Methodist Church.




Jill Hansard
Director of Membership & Business Manager
Jill Hansard joined the Georgia Agribusiness Council staff in 2003 and serves as the Director of Members and Business Manager. In her position, Jill handles all the membership needs for GAC and manages the over all office needs. She also handles accounts payable, receivable, banking and database management for GAC, along with day-to-day administrative support. Jill also helps support our Foundation and AgPAC.

Jill graduated from Georgia State University and is married to Greg and they have 2 beautiful children.  Her son Josh is married and graduated from Shorter University and her daughter Danielle is attending UNG.  They currently live in Jefferson Georgia. 

Jake Tench
Director of Public Affairs

Jake Tench joined the organization in 2019. As the Director Public Affairs for the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Jake manages the Council's legislative activities, providing member services to our growing membership, directs our education and scholarship activities, and supports all other aspects of our programs of work. 

Jake comes to GAC from the GA Department of Agriculture where he served as a Policy Assistant to Commissioner Gary Black. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he dual majored in Agribusiness and Agriculture & Applied Economics and also served as a manager for the UGA football team. Jake is originally from Cornelia, GA where his family has a long history in the poultry industry.  

 


Rebekah McDowell
Manager of Events and Special Projects

Rebekah McDowell (Bek)  joined the Georgia Agribusiness Council staff in 2021. As the Manager of Events and Special Projects, Bek is the point person for GAC  events, including the Annual Meeting, State Legislative Breakfast, Agribusiness Clay Shoot and Harvest Celebration.

 Bek was previously with The University of Georgia and has a background of many years in Accounting, graduating with a degree in Accounting from North Georgia College. She currently owns a semi-annual Kid's Consignment Sale that she has run for 16 years and is held at the Jackson County Ag Facility twice a year.  

Bek is married to Richie and they have 2 handsome sons. Cody works full time and was married in 2022.  Ty is currently attending technical college pursuing certification in welding. They currently live in Jefferson Georgia.