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STAFF

The E.C.O. Center staff is a group of individuals from various backgrounds with a unified mission to provide educational services to the public. Each team member is passionate about conservation and sustainability across a multitude of natural resource themes. Their unique strengths and experiences make them a dynamic group that strives to make the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center a successful asset to the community. 

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Ben Winkelman

Director

Ben's passion for wildlife began in high school when he volunteered for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources which led to a permanent position where he quickly excelled to State Conservation Officer/Game Warden. He was fortunate to work on conservation projects from the late wildlife biologist Ted Touchstone and retired biologist Jerry Bearden among others. He was also deputized as a Deputy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent by the U.S. Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife and has worked diligently with the Department of Defense within the Defense Intelligence Agency. These experiences gave Ben a foundation for public service and grew his passion for conservation, and in 2004 he began his career with the City of Rome enforcing water quality laws and codes. He joined the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center early on and was instrumental in developing natural resource education programs that evolved from teaching 2,500 students annually to 12,000. Ben is an avid sportsman who loves to fish and hunt, and his heart is for students to learn and develop an appreciation for the diverse abundance of our wonderful natural resources. 

Sarah Johnson

Environmental Educator & Program Administrator

Sarah joined the E.C.O. Center in 2019 but made Rome her home in 2011 after graduating from Berry College. She has an appreciation for observing and studying Georgia wildlife as well as the native landscapes of the area. Her love for natural resource education makes teaching students of all ages her favorite part of her job. She is committed to the continual growth and success of the E.C.O. Center as a fundamental community resource and enjoys the experiences it brings the public. Sarah is currently pursuing her Masters of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources through Clemson University. She and her husband enjoy spending time trout fishing, turkey hunting, and taking care of their 3 dogs and thousands of honey bees.

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Gladys Velez

Administrative Assistant

Gladys is a Rome, GA native and Berry College graduate who has always believed in the power of learning, especially when it happens outside the classroom. With a background in teaching, she has seen firsthand how meaningful education can spark curiosity and help people build a lasting connection with the world around them. In 2026, she eagerly joined the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center and found her home at a place that truly reflects what she cares about most: community, education, and Georgia’s incredible natural resources. She loves what happens here every day and helping people of all ages explore, appreciate, and care for our native wildlife and ecosystems in fun and engaging ways. When she's not at the Center, you’ll usually find her spending time with family, traveling, or enjoying the outdoors. 

Hannah Bagley

Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful Program Coordinator

Hannah, a Rome native, began her career with the City of Rome in 2017 as the Administrative Secretary to the Public Works Division, later advancing to Operations Coordinator. Her close collaboration with city officials and partners to maintain Rome's cleanliness and safety ignited a passion for community preservation. In September 2021, Hannah transitioned to the role of Program Coordinator for Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful, where she now focuses on raising awareness about pollution education, prevention, and beautification initiatives. Hannah is a current student of Georgia Highlands College and is deeply committed to her community and the great outdoors. When not organizing cleanup projects or teaching in local schools, she enjoys camping, hiking, and hunting with her husband, Eric, and daughter, Bethany. Her professional journey and personal interests have uniquely positioned her to make a significant impact on Rome's envrionmental efforts and community engagement.

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Elana Woodard

Animal Care Technician

Elana is a recent graduate from Berry College with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Studies (c. 2026), but is not a new face at the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center. She has served since 2023 as a volunteer, later intern, and now the staff member responsible for animal care and coordinating our volunteer program in partnership with local colleges and universities. When she is not making sure our animals are looking and feeling their best, she’s interacting with students and guests. Her favorite part of working with students is that she never gets the same question twice! Her passion for animal care, ecology, and natural resource management has found its place at the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center. Outside of work, Elana enjoys spending time outdoors, crafting, and spending time with family.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are an integral part of the ECO Center's daily operations. Their service makes it possible for ECO Center staff to conduct programs and maintain public visiting hours. The majority of volunteers are local college students pursuing degrees in animal science, biology, environmental science, or vet school. We are honored to have a small part in their education by providing hands-on experience and personal development. Many of our former volunteers have landed careers with state departments of natural resources, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, vet practices, and more.   

The ECO Center accepts volunteers (18+ years old) on an as-need basis. Due to our partnerships with the local colleges, position availability may be low. High school students who would like to volunteer or job shadow must do so as part of a school-directed class or program. Interested applicants can email us HERE. 

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