Whitney Brannen graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 2015 with a degree in agricultural communications and a 2020 graduate of the University of Tennessee in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications. Brannen started her working career with the Georgia Peanut Commission headquartered in Tifton, Georgia. During her four-year tenure at GPC, she worked in communications, event planning, logistics and retail operations. She also served as the Georgia staffer with the National Common Ground organization, recruiting women leaders in agriculture to become industry advocates. She was also a member of the American Ag Editors Association, National Agri-Marketing Association, Georgia Grown Trail 41 and Plantation Trace regional tourism organization, all to help promote agriculture and natural resources in rural Georgia.
In 2020 Brannen and her husband Chris, moved to Decatur County and accepted a faculty appointment with the University of Georgia as an Archway Professional in Public Service and Outreach working remotely in Grady County. In her role with UGA, Brannen focused on building community and industry relationships, with a primary focus on workforce development, public education, community wellness, and economic development. In 2022, Brannen was recruited by the Grady County School System to serve as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Cairo High School College and Career Academy and is certified to teach agricultural, wildlife and forestry related classes. In October of 2023, Brannen joined forces with Rozier & Associates Realty as a licensed agent and has hit the ground running for buyers and sellers using her expertise in agriculture, forestry, and economic development.
Brannen and her husband have one son, Jake and two dogs. She loves all things outdoors, and when not working, she can be found spending time on the river or lake with her family.