Billy Rye joined the National Land Realty team of Land Professionals in June 2023, bringing with him 35 years of experience in natural resource management and 600+ satisfied clients across 5 states! In 1988, Billy graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry Management before going on to attend the Alabama Forestry Commission Academy in 1989. Most recently, he attended ACF Business Academy in 2022. Billy is a Registered Forester in MS and AL, a licensed broker in AL, a Certified Tree Farm Inspector, a Certified TREASURE Forest Inspector, and a Quality Vegetation Management Advisor. He worked for the Alabama Forestry Commission from 1988-1996, after which he started Forest Management Specialists, Inc. where he still works today.

The recipient of the Alabama Forestry Commission Protection Teamwork Award, Billy has also been awarded a Governor's Accommodation for Assistance During the 1994 Natural Disaster, and the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Outstanding Leadership Award. Billy was one of ten authors on the first version of Alabama's Best Management Practices for Forestry. He is also a regular contributor to the Capital Ideas Webcast, the Alabama TREASURE Forests Magazine, and author of the bimonthly "Farming Your Forest" feature in Alabama Cooperative Farming Magazine. Billy is an active member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, where he served as Chair as well as on the National Strategic Efforts Taskforce. During both of his two terms as Chair, Billy’s chapter won National Chapter of the Year. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Alabama Forestry Association, as well as a member of the TREASURE Forest Certification Committee. Billy’s licenses, experience, and expertise allow him to help his clients manage and then market their property for its highest and best use. These same skills help him to see the potential in timberland, recreational, and farmland so that we can help buyers find their dream property.

In his free time, Billy enjoys volunteering at his local church, Forest Hills, where he’s served as an ordained Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a Life Group Director and has participated in multiple mission trips. He and his wife, Mary Frances, are based out of Florence, AL, where they live with their dog, Smokey, and spend time with their two daughters, Taylor and Anna Grace.