Staff

Charles ‘Swanny’ Evans, Certified Wildlife Biologist®, attended the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA where he earned his B.S. and M.S. in Wildlife Sciences and Forest Resources, respectively. In previous roles, Swanny has worked in eight states and overseas focusing on everything from forest management plans to non-native ungulate eradication. In his current role as the Georgia R3 Manager, he is working to secure the future of wildlife conservation funding by acting as the strategic conduit between stakeholders from industry, agency, and non-governmental organizations to increase participation in and support for hunting. He is an employee of Georgia Wildlife Federation with additional support for his position provided by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, and Safari Club International.

Calvin is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA). He is a Warnell Student Ambassador and is actively involved with the student chapters of The Wildlife Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited. As the Campus R3 Coordinator for UGA, Calvin is creating programs to introduce students to hunting and the shooting sports that have never had the opportunity to participate. His position is supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Ashlyn Halseth is a current senior at Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources with an emphasis in Wildlife. She plans to go to master’s school to further her passion in Wildlife Diseases. Ashlyn got her start here at GWF through photographing the Academics Afield learn-to-hunt program in 2019. Her favorite outdoor activities include playing soccer, volunteering at zoos, and hiking.

Becky, a staff member since November 2010, is an AT&T retiree.  She brings an array of skills to our staff to include project management, business analyst, and general office administrative experience.  Becky was introduced to the great outdoors at a very young age while vacationing at her mother’s home place located on the Cowpasture River in Virginia. This yearly tradition/vacation continues today with a variety of river activities.  

DeAnna holds a BS in Wildlife Science from Auburn University. Before moving to Georgia, she served as a research assistant with the Auburn University Entomology Department and the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and as a wildlife educator at the Birmingham Zoo and Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults (Camp ASCCA). DeAnna is a Master Gardener, certified by the University of Georgia, Extension Service and trained in Project Wild. She began her career with GWF as a volunteer, and has been on staff since 1996.

Simwone joined GWF in 2006. Bringing order to everything GWF does, she assists with special events, rentals, membership, and caring for our facilities. Simwone loves people and brings her servant heart to each task. After growing up in Newton County, she now lives in Monroe with Billy, her husband of over 30 years. When she isn’t working, she enjoys participating in church activities and spending time with her two children, three grandkids, and extended family.

Daniel is currently enrolled at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC) where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management. He is an active member of The Wildlife Society Student Chapter and enjoys volunteering with various other groups. Growing up, he spent the majority of his time outdoors fishing with family, and eventually turned to competitive fishing in high school. After graduating high school, Daniel enlisted in the U.S Army as an infantryman and served a three-year contract at Fort Riley Kansas. As the Academics Afield Coordinator at ABAC, Daniel is creating programs to introduce students to hunting and the shooting sports that have never had the opportunity to participate. His position is supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.