Frye named Pine Tree Festival Green Jacket recipient

Born and raised in Herndon, this year’s Green Jacket recipient is no stranger to Swainsboro and Emanuel County. He is also no stranger to the education field. A graduate of Jenkins County High, Young Harris, The University of Georgia and later from Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State, he and his wife made their first home in Fitzgerald, GA.

He began his career as an administrator when he was named Middle School Principal at 29 years old and a High School Principal at the age of 33. His career rise was mirrored by growth in his community involvement. In 1998, this gentleman was able to move his family “back home” when he became the superintendent of Emanuel County Schools. After serving a decade in Emanuel County, he retired in 2009 and spent approximately 30 quick days resting before taking on a new challenge working with Buckley & Associates as the Business Development Director, where he has worked for the past 14 years. Through this time, he used his knowledge and care for education to help schools throughout the state make the most of every dollar and build facilities that promote efficient and effective learning.

A list of past accomplishments and community involvement would take hours to list but at one point just a few years ago, he was an active member of 14 local boards and committees. Currently, he serves on the following boards: Emanuel County Development Authority, Durden Banking Company Board of Directors, Swainsboro Methodist Church where he has been a Sunday School teacher for many years. He is also a member of the Hospital Foundation Board and a founding member of the Wiregrass SAR.

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As recipient of the 2024 Green Jacket award, we are honored to recognize his many accomplishments and the impact this gentleman made on his community. His care and passion for everyone and the love that keeps his family a priority comes only second to his faith.

The past couple of years have brought new challenges to this family but it hasn’t changed this man’s commitment to his community and family.

We salute you, Butch Frye and are proud to add you to the list of Green Jacket recipients. Your dedication to our community will never go unnoticed.

Frye is married to Melanie Frye, and they have 2 sons, Zac (Leah) and Peyton (Brooke) and 5 grandchildren.