The Alabama Forestry Association has promoted Anna Morgan Skipper to director of external affairs, recognizing her work in building grassroots advocacy and strengthening ties between the state’s forestry industry and public officials.

Skipper joined AFA in 2021 as grassroots coordinator, where she helped create a statewide network of forestry advocates and advanced the association’s policy positions according to a news release.

“Anna Morgan has been instrumental in helping to create one of the most effective grassroots and advocacy campaigns in Alabama,” AFA General Counsel Tom Saunder said in the release. “Her intuition and ability to not only understand the issues but also effectively communicate AFA’s positions has led to her immediate success in the arena of public policy.”

A Clarke County native, Skipper grew up in a region where the forest industry is a major economic driver. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and information sciences from the University of Alabama.

“Anna Morgan has made a tremendous contribution to the association during her tenure here at AFA,” said Chris Isaacson, AFA president and CEO. “Her unique blend of charm, intelligence and determination combined with an unrivaled work ethic has made her an incredibly effective advocate for Alabama’s forestry community.”

In her new role, Skipper will continue working with Saunders to manage the association’s legislative and political affairs programs.

She lives in Montgomery with her husband, Edward Skipper, a forester with Harrigan Lumber Co. in Monroeville.