Released: Dec. 1, 2025
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Peanut Commission is pleased to announce the hiring of Taylor Arnold as its new executive director, succeeding longtime director Don Koehler, who is retiring after more than four decades of dedicated service to Georgia’s peanut industry.
Arnold joins the commission with an extensive background in agricultural leadership, farm program administration, and on-the-ground experience in production agriculture. Since 2017, he has served as County Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Worth County, where he managed county office operations, supervised staff, and oversaw the implementation of key federal programs supporting farmers. In this role, Arnold directed programs including the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage, Conservation Reserve Program, Livestock Forage Program, and multiple disaster assistance initiatives. He also chaired the District Payment Eligibility and Limitation Review team, ensuring compliance and accuracy across the region.
Arnold holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Mercer University, where he served as president and vice president of his fraternity, director of judicial affairs for the Interfraternity Council, and volunteered extensively with IRS VITA and Relay for Life.
“We are excited to welcome Taylor Arnold as the next executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission Board. “Taylor’s passion for agriculture, strategic vision, and proven leadership make him the ideal person to guide the commission into its next chapter. We are confident he will continue building on the strong foundation established under Don Koehler’s leadership.”
Arnold expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve Georgia’s peanut farmers.
“I am honored to join the Georgia Peanut Commission and work on behalf of the growers who make Georgia the nation’s leading peanut-producing state,” Arnold says. “I look forward to continuing the commission’s commitment to research, innovation, and industry collaboration. Don Koehler’s impact on this industry is immeasurable, and I am grateful to follow in his footsteps.”
Koehler, who has served as executive director since 1986, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, partnership building and significant growth in Georgia’s peanut sector. His leadership helped position Georgia as a global leader in peanut production, research and quality.
Arnold will begin as executive director at the commission on Jan. 1, 2026. Koehler will serve as senior executive director until his retirement on July 31, 2026.
The Georgia Peanut Commission represents the interests of more than 4,000 peanut farmers across the state. Through its investments in research, education, and promotion, the commission works to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of Georgia’s peanut industry.
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