MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition announced Wednesday that Becca Turner has been named vice president of marketing for “North America’s Premier Farm Show.”  

“Becca brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and we look forward to having her join our outstanding staff,” said Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Executive director.

Turner graduated with her Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of Georgia in 2002. Since that time she has worked as the executive director of the Colquitt County Arts Center, interim director of ABAC on the Square and most recently associate professor of communication at ABAC. She was instrumental in developing the Rural Studies and Communications program and its curriculum for the four-year program.  Turner and her husband Richie reside in Moultrie and have two children, Carolyne and Ret.  

Turner will replace Gina McDonald as vice- president. McDonald announced her retirement in November after 20 years at the Expo.  

“It’s been a great opportunity to work for the Expo. I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some of the best people in agriculture,” McDonald said.  

“Gina’s commitment to relationship building with our community, exhibitors and visitors has taken this show to new heights. Gina and Becca will work together for a period of time as Gina will remain on staff through March 1. We wish Gina the best in her retirement,” Blalock said.  

Other Expo staff updates include the naming of Mary Beth Watson as vice president of accounting and administration in 2016.

Prior to joining the Sunbelt staff, she was employed as economic development director for Southern Regional Technical College. She holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia. Watson has served as a volunteer for many community organizations. Currently, she serves as the chairman of the Colquitt County School Board and president of the YMCA Board, and she is an active member of First Baptist Church. She and husband James have a daughter, Mary Grace.

Deirdre Allen joined the Expo Staff in September 2017 as administrative assistant. Allen hit the ground running, working her first show not even one month later. She joined the staff after she and husband Terry closed their food truck business, Lulu’s Fork in the Road.