About

David Jordan

Born in Florida, I would never imagine graduating from the same high school in Thomaston Georgia my Dad graduated from in 1948, my Mom in 1950 and myself in 1988. I then graduated from Gordon College in Barnesville Georgia in 1990 a University of Georgia in 1992 with degrees in Political Science. On a side note, I worked hard to earn a living at a grocery store beginning at 16 years old, thanks to my Dad’s GI Bill, I was able to go to college, my Dad died when I was just 14 years old, so I had to grow up fast and missed a few childhood things. I married my wonderful wife in 1993, she found a career with Walmart when the textile industry suffered during NAFTA and William Carter Corporation closed the Thomaston operations in 1999 and she began her career with Walmart. The most awesome part of that was that she could move pretty much anywhere when I had promotional opportunities. I began my career with State Government in 1994 working at prison in Macon Georgia and then a Boot Camp in Butler Georgia. The best part of my career with Corrections was that I was selected to work the 1996 Olympics at the Georgia Dome. My brother-in-law sent me a job notice for a State Park less than three miles form home in Thomaston Georgia. The position was P.O.S.T. Certified Enforcement Ranger at Sprewell Bluff State Park. Later I moved to Hartwell Georgia and worked at Hart State Park, then moved to Seminole State Park in Donalsonville Georgia, then to F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain and from there promoted to Class 2 Manager at Sweetwater Creek State Park, one of the busiest State Parks in Georgia located in Lithia Springs Georgia. A Class 3 park Manager position came open here in beautiful Waycross Georgia, I came to visit and shared my visit with my wife by photographs, We were both very excited, I applied for the position and was selected. When we moved in and met so many wonderful people in our Community, we knew we had found our home. God led us to the most wonderful Church Family at Waycross First Assembly. I retired in December of 2022, 2-years prior to retirement we purchased a home in the city. Living at some of the most remote areas during my career, we enjoy being closer to town. We may not be from Waycross, but most certainly this is our home, we love the people and the community.

Over nearly three decades, I dedicated my career to Georgia State Parks, focusing on Law Enforcement for 25 years and prioritizing the protection and management of Georgia's natural resources. Among the six parks I worked at, I managed various facilities, including the vast 10,000-acre Franklin D. Roosevelt in Pine Mountain, featuring 23 miles of trails. My final assignment led me to Waycross, Georgia, where I managed Laura S. Walker State Park, boasting camping, cottages, hiking trails, and a golf course, and a team of 31 employees.

Throughout my career, I found joy in providing educational programs for the public, believing that education is a vital tool in teaching both kids and adults how to safeguard the environment. Additionally, I contributed to the Prescribed Fire Team and took on the role of lead ATV instructor for our department.

Being part of Southern Forest World is a cherished privilege, as my experience with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources managing invaluable resources qualifies me to serve on the Southern Forest World Board. Giving back to our community is a significant honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute. I serve as a member of Friends of Laura S. Walker, severe on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Lead Connector at Waycross First Assembly and Security team. I serve as our communities Deputy Coroner and will do my best to carry on the great legacy left before me as Ware County Coroner beginning in 2025.