Day 2 Welcome slides

We’re excited to announce Dr. Marshall Shepherd as the keynote speaker for day two. An internationally recognized voice in weather and climate, Dr. Shepherd will kick off our Drought Communications Workshop on April 30, bringing his expertise in translating complex science into clear, compelling messages for broad audiences. His insights will set the stage for a dynamic day focused on strengthening how we communicate about drought across communities, industries, and the ACF Basin.

Dr. Shepherd is the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia and Director of its Atmospheric Sciences Program. He is the Associate Dean for Research, Scholarship, and Partnerships in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at UGA. In 2026, he earned the distinction of Regents’ Professor, the University of Georgia’s highest professorial honor. In 2022, he was selected SEC Professor of the Year. In 2021, Dr. Shepherd was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Shepherd is also the host of the Weather Channel’s podcast Weather Geeks and a Senior Contributor to Forbes.

Shepherd Drought Communication - slides no videos

This day will focus on communication and resilience in the face of drought across the ACF River Basin. It will open with a keynote presentation that inspires reflection on the importance of shared understanding and collaboration in managing water resources during challenging times. Georgia is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor—underscoring the importance of clear, timely, and coordinated communication. Effectively engaging large and diverse public audiences is critical to protecting communities, economies, and natural systems.

The conference will feature a Drought Communications Workshop sponsored by the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Stakeholders. This interactive workshop will focus on strategies for communicating about drought conditions, impacts and response. The program will include three practical, hands-on sessions:

1. The Art and Practice of Communication- Best Practices for translating complex science and policy into clear, actionable messages for varied audiences.
2. Tools and Resources - An overview of data platforms, messaging frameworks, and outreach resources that support effective drought communications.
3. Tabletop Exercise – Participants will work in groups to develop a drought communications plan and test that plan against different scenarios.

While the workshop will draw examples and case studies from the ACF Basin, the content is designed to be broadly applicable to communicators, whether they are in or outside of the Basin. Participants will leave with practical tools, stronger cross-sector connections, and greater confidence in communicating about drought before, during, and after it occurs. The day will conclude with a meeting of the ACF Stakeholders (ACFS). Conference attendees are welcome to stay for the meeting.

Day 2 Drought Intro K Zitch

Day 2-art and practice of Comm

ACF Drought Comms Wkshp - Tools-Resources_M.Davis

Link to Drought Resources: https://4dge5l4jgm.apb.spinupwp.site/projects/acf-waters-2026/droughtresources/

Drought workshop Fairchild slides