Cotton Partners, LLC has close to 100 grower members with a geographic footprint from over 15 counties in South Georgia. Governed by a board of directors chosen from its members, the company is one of the largest gins in Georgia. Under its subsidiary South Georgia Cotton Gin, it provides high quality ginning and marketing services with quick turnaround for members and non-members alike. Another subsidiary, South Georgia Cotton Warehouse, provides storage and handling of the cotton for the growers and the merchants. And Cotton Partners Ag Services provides logistics support as well as maintains a large group of module builders and other harvest related equipment. South Georgia Cotton Gin is here to support excellence in terms of marketing services.
Vision: To be the best Agribusiness partner we can be for producers.
Mission: To enhance the profit potential of our cotton producer’s operations through continuously improving ginning, storage, and marketing services.
Staff
Gary Evans is the CEO of Cotton Partners. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Gary has worked in a number of industries in operations and management roles before starting at Cotton Partners as the CEO in January 2020. Gary is involved in several community boards in the area, is a member of the Jeff Davis County Rotary Club, and a delegate to the National Cotton Council for the Southeast Area.
John Girtman is the Gin Manager of South Georgia Cotton Gin. A resident of Snipesville, GA, John started with the gin in 2003 and has been a key driver of its operational success ever since. John also gives back to the community through his role as a member of the Jeff Davis County Schools Board of Education. Prior to coming to the gin , John was a farmer himself and comes from several generations of farmers. John is married to Michelle Girtman and together they have seven children, 11 grandchildren and is an active member of South Baptist Church in Hazlehurst.
Nancy Kirkland is over Cotton Sales and Accounting, among her other duties. A lifelong resident of Hazlehurst, Nancy attended South Georgia College before starting with the gin in 1985. In her time here Nancy has helped lead the organization through many changes and expansions. Nancy is an active member of Oakland Baptist Church.
Nate Yawn was hired in 2019 into Cotton Partners Ag Services as a mechanic. Since that time Nate has moved into a role in maintenance for the entire organization. He brings a breadth of experience in maintaining all sorts of equipment as well as excellent relationships with our employees and growers. Nate lives here in Hazlehurst with his wife and four small children.
Susan Kirkland handles all Gin Records, Shipping, Payroll, Accounts Payable and other duties. Originally from Coffee County Susan moved to the Hazlehurst area when she married. She joined the gin in 1989. Along with Nancy, Susan forms the core of the administrative team that keeps the whole organization moving in the right direction to provide world class service to our growers, members, and merchants. Susan is the proud grandmother of three young grandchildren, and an active member of Southside Baptist Church.
Group Photo
Board of Directors
Chair
Andrew Walker
District 2 Board Seat
Ben Hill, Irwin, Coffee, Atkinson
Vice-Chair
Ben Sanders
District 4 Board Seat
Wheeler, Montgomery, Toombs, Tattnall
Secretary
Phil Murray
At Large Board Seat C
Johnny Harris, Sr.
District 1 Board Seat
Wayne, Bacon, Pierce, Ware, South Appling
Wayne Herndon
District 3 Board Seat
Telfair, Jeff Davis, North Appling
Terry Carver
At Large Board Seat A
Chan Grantham
At Large Board Seat B
