Scott Sumner, a native of the Albany “Plantation Belt,” grew up on his family’s farm in Worth County, Georgia.

Scott joined Jon Kohler & Associates in 2022. Scott has a strong personal connection to the land and is passionate about the stewardship and conservation of our natural resources. Farming and the outdoors are essential parts of his life, and he enjoys studying ways to become a better practitioner in these areas and beyond.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been providentially blessed in this way – to grow up with dirt at my feet, free to explore and appreciate the God-given wonders of nature. I have experienced firsthand the joint venture between God and the farmer, in which a farmer cannot do what God must do and God will not do what the farmer should. It is a partnership requiring one to diligently pursue one’s responsibilities, only reaping the benefits once these responsibilities are complete. It is no different as gatekeepers to the rare and unique properties we seek to honor and nurture as servant leaders at Jon Kohler & Associates. Advocacy and the pursuit of increased knowledge are always required, but this does not feel like work when it is one’s passion.” ~Scott Sumner

While attending the University of Georgia (UGA), Scott represented its student body as a student host and goodwill ambassador. He also studied abroad in South Africa and Costa Rica. Upon graduating in 2011, Scott moved to Nashville, Tenn., where, along with enjoying its music scene, sports, and state parks, he worked as a teacher in the school system and as a research assistant at Lighthouse Counsel, a consulting firm that partners with respected nonprofits and focuses on strategic planning, development analysis and planning, board development, campaign counseling, and campaign feasibility/planning studies. During his time at Lighthouse Counsel, Scott helped draft a strategic plan for UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Returning to his hometown of Sylvester, Ga., Scott has guided at one of Southwest Georgia’s well-known quail plantations and has worked at a local, community-based pharmacy. His faith and relationship with Jesus Christ are of utmost importance to him, and he serves as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Sylvester.

“I have been blessed to travel to various parts of the United States and the world - and to have unique experiences in a city such as Nashville - but my heart always remained in Southwest Georgia. This is where my family and many of my friends reside. This is where the land I grew up on and hope to be a steward of, Lord willing, for years and years to come, is located. The area is truly my “place to come to,” and I hold our Southern lands as one of God’s greatest creations.” ~Scott Sumner

Drawing from this love of place and a competitive athletic background that further instilled his drive to pursue excellence, Scott seeks to serve his community and clients well, gleaning and applying his knowledge in many areas, including land, farming, wildlife, lake/pond management, and timber. He views this pursuit of excellence as a responsibility to both his fellow citizens and future clients.

“In our profession, we have the great opportunity to create relationships. This is one of the rewards of what we do, being able to connect with people, get to know them, and help them achieve their goals. It is my vital duty to perform at the highest level for my clients, earning their trust, understanding their needs, and helping meet these needs.” ~Scott Sumner

During his spare time, Scott enjoys songwriting, hunting, fishing, cooking, and reading Southern literature and American history.

“I am humbled and appreciative to have the opportunity to be a part of the Jon Kohler & Associates team. The conservation and stewardship ethos that embodies its culture is what drew me to the firm. The respect they have garnered and the reputation they hold in our specialty market is unparalleled. No other team has the marketing prowess and ability to showcase and expose a property to the marketplace to the extent of Jon Kohler & Associates.” ~Scott Sumner