Dr. Laura Ney is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Athens Clarke County. She has been in the Athens Area off and on for 15 years. After completing her bachelor’s in Horticulture, from UGA, with certificates in organic and international agriculture, Laura worked as an educator and farm manager at the University of Georgia’s Costa Rica campus. She returned to Athens, where she earned her PhD, focusing on soil health and nutrient cycling. She now works with the University of Georgia and Clarke County to provide support and education to producers and homeowners, in the topics of sustainable management, food production and landscaping.

Sarah Hovater is a Shepherdess living in Oglethorpe County. She is passionate about ethically and sustainably producing nutritious and flavorful food for her family and local community.  While homeschooling her 5 children for the last 12 years, she began farming as a way to provide healthy food and also educate her children. She currently raises lamb and wool products for market, goat milk, cheese, and a small variety of produce to share with others.  In addition to serving as Executive Director of the Marigold Collective and Manager of Marigold Farmers Market, Sarah is on the board of Ladies Homestead Gathering, directs the Christian education program at her local church, goes to soccer games, and loves to cook.

TC Jayalath is a plant scientist who worked at the University of Georgia as the superintendent of the Plant Growth Facilities of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. He earned his MS degree in Organic Farming and Ph.D. in plant physiology related to LED lighting at the University of Georgia while publishing several grower articles and peer-reviewed research papers. He has lived in Athens since 2014 and has been a member of the board for the last two years.

I moved (back) to Winterville in July 2022 and have been active in the community ever since. I am a musician—playing mandolin and various other stringed instruments is my specialty—and have played several times at the Marigold Market and other places in and around Winterville. Due to my love for music and my community, I served on the Winterville Arts Council in 2023 to promote the musical arts in Winterville. Most recently, I became the newest elected Winterville city council member on Jan 2, 2024. As a council member, one of my goals is to foster economic development, particularly centered around bringing more affordable food options to the downtown area of Winterville. It is for this reason that I also joined the Board of Directors for the Marigold Collective in Jan 2024. I look forward to continuing to serve our community by promoting food and music (and fun!) through these various avenues.

I was raised in Athens and Oglethorpe County and moved to Hart County in 2011 where my husband, Bobby and I raise Longhorn and crossbred cattle. I have been with the City of Winterville for over 17 years as the Municipal Clerk and Chief Court Clerk. I received my Municipal Clerk and the Local Finance Officer Certifications in 2012 and the Master Municipal Clerk Certification in 2014. I attend regular classes and conferences through UGA, the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Clerks Authority (GSCCCA) to keep my certifications current.  I enjoy camping, motorcycling, horseback riding, caring for my 5 horses, 2 dogs and 7 cats and a number of yard chickens.

Being the City Clerk for the City of Winterville is the most enjoyable and rewarding career. Having met so many people and becoming friends with the residents of Winterville and the people I work with are like family.

Max Williams is an Augusta native who relocated to the Athens area with his wife Laura in 2020.  Professionally he's an Accountant, with a background in Nonprofit Management.   Max got involved with the Marigold Collective just before the start of the 2021 Market season as a way to get involved in his new community.  In his free time, he's an avid Disc Golfer.