Gary W. Black
On Point Strategies Managing Partner
With decades of leadership, management, and political experience, On Point Strategies Managing Partner Gary W. Black designs workshops, and convention or keynote presentations to meet the objectives of the client.
Gary W. Black served as the 16th Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia from 2011-2023. Prior to serving as an elected Constitutional Officer, Black led the Georgia Agribusiness Council and managed young farmer leadership development activities for the Georgia Farm Bureau. His experience and direct involvement with agricultural policy and politics at the state and national level for the past 40 years is not easily equaled.
Commissioner Black crafted and implemented disaster relief efforts for Georgia farm families in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, one of our nation’s most devastating weather events. He led the development of the nationally recognized Georgia Grown brand opening opportunities for small business dreamers, expanding trade across the globe, and building bridges with culinary and school nutrition professionals.
Many commodity and business groups have recognized Black for his leadership and contributions including the Georgia Restaurant Association (Chairman’s Award), Leadership Georgia (Pattillo Award), and the Georgia Pest Control Association (Hall of Fame). He is a two-time winner of CropLife’s Urbanowski Grassroots Award for political activity, a 10-time member of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “100 Most Influential Georgian’s,” as well as the publication’s “2017 Georgian of the Year.”
Black’s business experience includes forming and managing AgriTrust of Georgia, a workers’ compensation insurance company for the agribusiness industry, and Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Development Authority, a $180 million agricultural lending institution. He and his wife, Lydia, raise commercial and registered SimAngus cattle on their family farm in Commerce, Georgia, and actively serve in various ministries of Maysvillle Baptist Church.
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OnPoint Strategies Partners with FEAST Global to Revolutionize Agri-Food Trade Promotions
Commerce, Georgia - OnPoint Strategies (OPS) is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with FEAST Global as an OPS Affiliate Service Provider. Led by former Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, OPS is a leading Georgia-based consulting firm specializing in market expansion, regulatory compliance, research and development, grant writing, business coaching, and strategic planning. This collaboration marks a significant alliance offering unrivaled agri-food promotion and trade assistance to clients seeking to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global trade orchestra.
Gary Black, who served as the 16th Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia from 2011 to 2023, brings 40 years of experience in agricultural policy, politics, and business to the table. He spearheaded the development of the nationally recognized Georgia Grown brand, fostering opportunities for small business dreamers, expanding global trade, and forging partnerships with culinary and school nutrition professionals. Black's extensive background includes founding and managing AgriTrust of Georgia, an agricultural workers' compensation insurance company, and chairing the Board of the Georgia Development Authority, a $180 million agricultural lending institution. His exceptional experience across a variety of industries solidifies OnPoint Strategies position as trusted consultants.
FEAST Global, under the visionary leadership of Marianna and Andy Chapman, brings an impressive combined experience of 50 years in business development and agri-food trade promotion services. As renowned experts in food promotion, export, and trade advisory, Marianna and Andy Chapman will be instrumental in elevating OnPoint Strategies' capability to deliver comprehensive and innovative solutions to clients. With a strong presence in the U.S. and strategically positioned offices across vital markets including Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and India, FEAST Global offers clients a global approach to business development, empowering them with a distinct marketing advantage to propel their business growth.
"The trade orchestra is quite large. Marianna and Andy play their instruments well," expressed Gary Black, underscoring the contribution of FEAST Global to OnPoint Strategies' portfolio of services.
FEAST Global has collaborated with organizations such as the Southern United States Trade Association, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Texas Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Agriculture, U.S. Sorghum Checkoff and others. They have assisted in trade readiness and market development across many product categories including poultry and meats, tree nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty products, fine wines and distilled spirits and more.
This strategic collaboration demonstrates OnPoint Strategies' commitment to assembling a team of industry experts capable of delivering "mission possible solutions" to clients facing complex challenges. By partnering with FEAST Global, OnPoint Strategies is uniquely positioned to provide unparalleled agri-food trade promotion assistance, further expanding their ability to address the distinctive needs of their valued clients.