SFI STAFF
CANADA
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.
1306 Wellington Street West, Suite 400
Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B2
Phone: 613-747-2454 Fax: 613-747-2453
UNITED STATES
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.
2121 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-596-3450 Fax: 202-596-3451
Kathy Abusow
President and CEO
Kathy Abusow is President and CEO of SFI Inc., a sustainability leader that stands for future forests. She has held this role since 2007, when Sustainable Forestry Initiative® became a fully independent, non-profit organization. Since joining SFI, Kathy has greatly expanded SFI’s network to include the forest sector, brand owners, conservation groups, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous peoples, governments, and universities. Read more here.
Kathy Abusow est présidente-directrice générale de la société SFI, un chef de file du développement durable qui soutient les forêts de l’avenir. Elle occupe ce poste depuis 2007, lorsque la Sustainable Forestry Initiative® est devenue un organisme sans but lucratif pleinement indépendant. Depuis lors, elle a considérablement élargi le réseau de SFI pour y inclure le secteur forestier, les propriétaires de marques, les groupes de conservation, les spécialistes des ressources naturelles, les propriétaires fonciers, les éducateurs, les collectivités locales, les Autochtones, les gouvernements et les universités. Lire la suite ici
Kathy Abusow
President & CEO
Jennifer Farant
Executive Assistant to President and CEO, Kathy Abusow
613-745-5840
Jennifer.Farant@forests.org
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Jennifer Farant
Executive Assistant to President and CEO, Kathy Abusow
613-745-5840
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Nadine Block
Senior VP, Government and Network Relations
202-596-3456
Nadine.Block@forests.org
Nadine manages government engagement in the U.S. and Europe, particularly related to forest management, climate change, bioenergy, forest products procurement, and combatting illegal logging. She also oversees SFI’s community engagement strategy in the U.S. and supports SFI’s governance committees and strategic planning efforts. Prior to joining SFI in 2010, she held positions as Director of Forest Policy at the American Forest & Paper Association and as Program Manager at the Pinchot Institute for Conservation. Nadine has over 20 years of experience in natural resource policy focusing on public and private forest management, climate change, renewable energy, and international forest policy. Nadine holds a Master of Forestry from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Williams College.
Nadine Block
Senior VP, Government & Network Relations
202-596-3456
Esther Cowles
VP, Education Programs
202-765-3725
ECowles@plt.org
Esther guides Project Learning Tree’s®(PLT) organizational management, strategic direction, governance, and evaluation efforts. She is also responsible for directing PLT’s program development, state network capacity building, and operations. Esther has worked as an educator, program designer, executive director, and evaluator in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years at the state and national levels. She is experienced in the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental and place-based education curriculum and professional development programs, with a particular emphasis on changes in knowledge, skills, and behaviors of participating educators. She is also experienced in applying research and evaluation to strategic planning and organizational development. Her skills are deeply rooted in participatory involvement and building collaborative processes and partnerships. Esther holds a Master of Education in instruction and curriculum from Plymouth State College and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of New Hampshire.
Esther Cowles
VP, Education Programs
202-765-3725
Brian Crowe
Chief Financial Officer
202-765-3545
Brian.Crowe@forests.org
Brian is responsible for SFI’s financial and economic strategy, as well as various operational matters. His experience includes for-profit and not-for-profit knowledge in financial analysis and valuation, individual and corporate tax, compliance, internal controls, and project and program management. Brian is passionate about the non-profit sector and has a proven record of aligning strategic initiatives with revenue and expense management to reduce deficit cycles and enhance value. Brian began his career in the banking industry, later transitioning to public accounting where he specialized in consulting and auditing financial institutions. Prior to joining SFI, he held positions as the Chief Financial Officer at the Council on Foundations and Assistant Director of Finance at Ocean Conservancy. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in business, a minor in economics and a master’s degree in accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the District of Columbia and holds a Certified Management Accountant credential.
Brian Crowe
Chief Financial Officer
202-765-3545
Jess Kaknevicius
VP, Community Engagement
647-797-1117
Jess.K@forests.org
Jess leads SFI’s work in community engagement, which contributes to the quality of life of communities and helps increase understanding of sustainably managed forests. This is accomplished through a grassroots network, community grants, Indigenous relations, and expanding SFI’s work with diverse communities. Jess is also driving the expansion of environmental education programming through Project Learning Tree Canada. Prior to joining SFI, Jess was with Forests Ontario, where she developed and expanded their education and awareness programs. She has won several awards including the Canadian Forest Industries’ Top 10 under 40 award and the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s James M. Kitz Award. She is also the proud co-founder of Women in Wood, a networking group aimed at bringing together women who work in, with and for the woods. Jess holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto.
Jess Kaknevicius
VP, Community Engagement
647-797-1117
Jason Metnick
Senior VP, Customer Affairs
602-374-6539
Jason.Metnick@forests.org
Jason leads SFI’s supply chain assurance work related to demonstrating SFI standards as proof points for responsible forestry. This also includes increasing certified supply and enhancing the sourcing of products from sustainable sources. Jason works directly with companies in the wood and paper supply chain including forest landowners, manufacturers, merchants, lumberyard owners, dealers, wholesalers, printers, and end users. Jason’s work also includes leading efforts to expand SFI’s growing recognition in green building rating tools. He oversees the SFI Office of Label Use and Licensing, which administers the rules and procedures for SFI on‑product label use. Jason has worked at SFI since 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Science in forestry from Northern Arizona University. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters and sits on a number of committees related to forest certification and labeling.
Jason Metnick
Senior VP, Customer Affairs
602-374-6539
Daniel Pellegrom
VP, Communications
202-596-3452
Daniel.Pellegrom@forests.org
Daniel leads SFI’s communication efforts with a focus on telling the dynamic SFI story to diverse audiences and stakeholders. The communication team supports SFI’s four pillars: standards, conservation, education and community and seeks to increase the understanding of multiple benefits of sustainable forests and all that SFI does to advance them. Prior to SFI, Daniel spent his entire career in the private sector at several different communications and public affairs agencies and at PepsiCo where he was Director, Sustainability Communications. He began his career in the Peace Corps where he led grassroots community development projects in Ghana. Daniel earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University in Washington D.C.
Daniel Pellegrom
VP, Communications
202-596-3452
Paul Trianosky
Chief Conservation Officer
423-571-2562
Paul.Trianosky@forests.org
Paul leads SFI’s conservation programs. He is the principal liaison with conservation organizations and leads collaborative efforts to conserve forested landscapes. Paul also guides the development of standards and programs to ensure the attainment of conservation objectives. He works to build partnerships, grow the network of conservation organizations involved in the SFI Program, guide relevant research, and ensure the relevance of SFI’s work in promoting sustainable supply chains and responsible sourcing. Paul oversees SFI’s Conservation Impact Project. He brings over 30 years of experience in forestry, non-profit management, forest certification, collaborative partnerships, and landscape-scale conservation. Before joining SFI in 2013, Paul served in various leadership roles, including positions with the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. Paul has a Bachelor of Science in forest resource management from Virginia Tech and a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University.
Paul Trianosky
Chief Conservation Officer
423-571-2562
SFI STANDARDS
Jason Metnick
Senior VP, Customer Affairs
602-374-6539
Jason.Metnick@forests.org
Jason leads SFI’s supply chain assurance work related to demonstrating SFI standards as proof points for responsible forestry. This also includes increasing certified supply and enhancing the sourcing of products from sustainable sources. Jason works directly with companies in the wood and paper supply chain including forest landowners, manufacturers, merchants, lumberyard owners, dealers, wholesalers, printers, and end users. Jason’s work also includes leading efforts to expand SFI’s growing recognition in green building rating tools. He oversees the SFI Office of Label Use and Licensing, which administers the rules and procedures for SFI on‑product label use. Jason has worked at SFI since 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Science in forestry from Northern Arizona University. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters and sits on a number of committees related to forest certification and labeling.
Jason Metnick
Senior VP, Customer Affairs
602-374-6539
Gregor Macintosh
Senior Director, Standards
778-351-3358
Gregor.Macintosh@forests.org
Gregor supports the SFI standards review process, pilot projects and task forces, and serves as staff liaison for the SFI External Review Panel and the SFI Resources Committee. He manages auditor accreditation programs, coordinates the complaint process and deals with interpretations of SFI certification standards. Gregor joined SFI in 2013 after nearly 15 years working in the field of forest certification auditing where his focus areas included environmental and sustainable forest management performance, chain-of-custody auditing and forest-carbon accounting. He has professional experience in the United States, Canada, and China. Gregor is a Certified Forester with the Society of American Foresters and holds the society’s Certified Forestry Auditor designation.
Gregor Macintosh
Senior Director, Standards
778-351-3358
Barry Graden
Director, SFI Forest Partners® Program
864-451-7958
Barry.Graden@forests.org
Barry oversees the SFI Forest Partners®Program, which is aimed at growing certification to SFI among medium-sized landowners and mills. He also supports the SFI Program’s community activities including SFI Implementation Committees and SFI’s partnership with Boy Scouts of America. Before joining SFI, Barry accumulated over 30 years of experience working in the forest products industry. He holds a Bachelor of Forestry from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration from Winthrop University. Barry is an Eagle Scout, a Certified Forester with the Society of American Foresters and a licensed forester in South Carolina. Barry and his wife own and manage a tree farm certified to the American Tree Farm System.
Barry Graden
Director, SFI Forest Partners® Program
864-451-7958
Annie Perkins
Senior Director, Green Building and Supply Chain
202-558-0016
Annie.Perkins@forests.org
Annie seeks to elevate the use of certified, sustainable forestry materials and products in the green building industry. Her experience in product transparency, labels and certifications, climate change and resiliency, coupled with her passion to improve communities globally, supports that mission. As an accredited LEED Green Associate with the U.S. Green Building Council, she sits on the Midwest’s Market Leadership Advisory Board and is engaged with the emerging WELL Standard. She contributed to the development of the window industry’s product category rule and the release of the industry’s first environmental product declaration. Annie uses her experience to support her civic engagements as a City of Afton, Minnesota council member and as a management board member of her local watershed.
Annie Perkins
Senior Director, Green Building and Supply Chain
202-558-0016
Rachel Dierolf
Senior Manager, Chain of Custody and Label Use
613-274-0124
Rachel.Dierolf@forests.org
Rachel leads SFI’s Office of Label Use and Licensing, which administers the rules and procedures for SFI on-product label use and off-product marks. She works directly with companies and certification bodies in the wood and paper supply chain with forest management and chain-of-custody certification, addressing label use, standards and certification issues. Rachel also works as a project manager with SFI. She specializes in large-scale projects related to data analysis for programmatic strategic outcomes, and in particular supports SFI’s supply chain assurances. Rachel has been with SFI since 2007 and she has served as the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) U.S. National Governing Body secretary and represented SFI on several PEFC working groups and SFI standard revision task groups. She holds a Master of Science from Albert-Ludwigs-University and speaks German fluently.
Rachel Dierolf
Senior Manager, Chain of Custody and Label Use
613-274-0124
Courtney Guillen
Coordinator, Statistics and Label Use
202-719-1391
Courtney.Guillen@forests.org
Courtney supports the SFI Office of Label Use and Licensing, managing label requests, certificate information, audit reports and special projects. The SFI Program has on-product labels to help customers and consumers identify exactly what they are buying — an SFI Certified Sourcing label and an SFI Chain-of-Custody label. Prior to joining SFI, she worked on a project for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department where she analyzed how the Texas legislature could secure more funding for nongame wildlife conservation. Courtney earned her Master of Public Service and Administration-Environmental Policy and Management degree from Texas A&M University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Courtney Guillen
Coordinator, Statistics and Label Use
202-719-1391
Robyn Layne
Intern, Standards
613-701-2176
Robyn.Layne@forests.org
Robyn focuses on using and developing cutting-edge geographic technologies and applying geomatics to pressing local and global issues. She advances SFI’s mission by developing ArcGIS web maps and applications based on information about SFI certified organizations, products, and other related data housed in SFI’s database. Robyn also researches forest-based information using other sources to align with existing certification data and create associated ArcGIS products. Additionally, she provides support on other SFI standards projects. Robyn earned a Bachelor of Science from McGill University, where she majored in geography. She also holds an advanced diploma in geographic sciences from the Centre of Geographic Sciences in Nova Scotia.
Robyn Layne
Intern, Standards
613-701-2176
SFI CONSERVATION
Paul Trianosky
Chief Conservation Officer
423-571-2562
Paul.Trianosky@forests.org
Paul leads SFI’s conservation programs. He is the principal liaison with conservation organizations and leads collaborative efforts to conserve forested landscapes. Paul also guides the development of standards and programs to ensure the attainment of conservation objectives. He works to build partnerships, grow the network of conservation organizations involved in the SFI Program, guide relevant research, and ensure the relevance of SFI’s work in promoting sustainable supply chains and responsible sourcing. Paul oversees SFI’s Conservation Impact Project. He brings over 30 years of experience in forestry, non-profit management, forest certification, collaborative partnerships, and landscape-scale conservation. Before joining SFI in 2013, Paul served in various leadership roles, including positions with the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. Paul has a Bachelor of Science in forest resource management from Virginia Tech and a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University.
Paul Trianosky
Chief Conservation Officer
423-571-2562
Darren Sleep
Senior Director, Conservation Science & Strategies
613-424-8734
Darren.Sleep@forests.org
Darren helps manage SFI’s growing conservation science credentials through increasing our capacity to develop and manage conservation projects in Canada and the United States. Darren has a background in ecological research fieldwork where he has designed and implemented forest-related studies including bird banding, small-mammal trapping, and radio-telemetry tracking of bats and owls. Darren sits on a number of government and ENGO advisory bodies, including the Government of Quebec Caribou Advisory Committee and the Government of Canada’s Species at Risk Advisory Committee. He is also part of the Primary Forest Task Team and the Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Prior to joining SFI, Darren worked as Project Leader in forest ecology at the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, where he drew on his knowledge of forest ecology and endangered species and his strong connections with the scientific and conservation biology community. Darren holds a doctorate in zoology from the University of Guelph.
Darren Sleep
Senior Director, Conservation Science & Strategies
613-424-8734
Leonardo (Leo) Viana
Senior Director, Conservation Impact
202-719-1390
Leonardo@forests.org
Leo helps manage SFI’s conservation programs by providing expertise to attain critical conservation outcomes. He is particularly focused on SFI’s Conservation Impact project and integrating methods and technologies to measure conservation outcomes. Leo also provides leadership for the Conservation Impact Sounding Board. Part of Leo’s larger role is engaging partner organizations to amplify the conservation-related impact of SFI programs. He brings over 20 years of experience in the conservation of biodiversity, water and climate issues, including forest and mammal management in the Amazon and Atlantic forests of Brazil. Before joining SFI, he worked at Conservation International, the Ocean Conservancy, and the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility. Leo has a Master of Science in ecology, conservation, and wildlife management from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil and a Bachelor of Science in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware.
Leonardo (Leo) Viana
Senior Director, Conservation Impact
202-719-1390
Rachel Hamilton
Sr. Coordinator, Conservation Partnerships
613-745-3706
Rachel.Hamilton@forests.org
Rachel supports the SFI Conservation Program by aiding in conservation grants program tracking and contributing to conservation communications, research, and collaborative projects. She joined SFI in 2014, originally supporting the Standards team and the Office of Label Use and Licensing. Before joining SFI, Rachel worked for the National Capital Commission on environmental assessments and asset management. She gained experience through multiple internships in the natural resource field that focused on endangered species habitat, landscape ecology, and wetland mitigation. Rachel received her Bachelor of Science in wildlife science from Virginia Tech, with minors in biology and natural resource recreation. She earned a Master of Science in biology from the University of Western Ontario specializing in bat ecology.
Rachel Hamilton
Sr. Coordinator, Conservation Partnerships
343-803-0590
Carley Archibald
Intern, Conservation Programs
613-701-2179
Carley.Archibald@forests.org
Carley advances SFI’s mission by developing ArcGIS-based conservation program maps and associated ESRI Story Maps. These maps are based on conservation data and communications content drawn from multiple sources, which Carley uses to illustrate the breadth and value of SFI’s conservation work. Her goal is to bring SFI’s conservation efforts to life for diverse audiences. Carley also collaborates with other staff to produce creative new ways to display information and provides support on other SFI projects as needed. Carley earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she was on the dean’s list. She also holds a certificate in geographic information science.
Carley Archibald
Intern, Conservation Programs
613-701-2179
SFI EDUCATION – PROJECT LEARNING TREE (PLT)
Esther Cowles
VP, Education Programs
202-765-3725
ECowles@plt.org
Esther guides Project Learning Tree’s®(PLT) organizational management, strategic direction, governance, and evaluation efforts. She is also responsible for directing PLT’s program development, state network capacity building, and operations. Esther has worked as an educator, program designer, executive director, and evaluator in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years at the state and national levels. She is experienced in the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental and place-based education curriculum and professional development programs, with a particular emphasis on changes in knowledge, skills, and behaviors of participating educators. She is also experienced in applying research and evaluation to strategic planning and organizational development. Her skills are deeply rooted in participatory involvement and building collaborative processes and partnerships. Esther holds a Master of Education in instruction and curriculum from Plymouth State College and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of New Hampshire.
Esther Cowles
VP, Education Programs
202-765-3725
Jaclyn Stallard
Director of Curriculum
202-765-3609
JStallard@plt.org
Jackie oversees Project Learning Tree’s®(PLT) preschool-to-grade-12 environmental education materials, as well as other SFI instructional materials and resources. She also directs strategic alliances that advance curriculum implementation with other environmental education and sustainability resource providers at the national level. Jackie presents and exhibits PLT’s curriculum and SFI programs at education and conservation conferences across the United States. Three curricula Jackie developed have won Teachers Choice Awards, and she regularly serves as an Envirothon Judge for the national competitions. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University in Massachusetts.
Jaclyn Stallard
Director of Curriculum
202-765-3609
Ana Leirner
Manager, Professional Development and Instructional Design
202-765-3657
ALeirner@plt.org
Ana designs and develops high-quality professional development materials and programming to prepare educators to integrate Project Learning Tree®(PLT) environmental education materials into their teaching. Ana is focused on helping educators become comfortable teaching outdoors in urban, suburban, and rural environments. Ana creates engaging and hands-on online courses and supports the PLT network in delivering in-person professional development using best practices in educator professional development. Previously she worked as an instructional designer in various industries, designing online professional development courses for a diverse audience, including K-8 STEM teachers in Latin America. Ana holds a Master of Education in educational media and technology from Boston University, a Master of Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo, Brazil, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo.
Ana Leirner
Manager, Professional Development and Instructional Design
202-765-3657
Rocco Saracina
Senior Manager, PLT Network
202-596-3459
Rocco.Saracina@forests.org
Rocco plays an integral role in developing and implementing strategies to advance SFI’s conservation programs and enhance relationships with partners. He administers the SFI Conservation Grant Program, which funds innovative projects that advance understanding of sustainable forestry practices. He leads the SFI University Engagement Program, which includes the annual conference scholarship program, internship opportunities, and SFI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group. Outside SFI, Rocco serves as Communications Chair for the Society of American Forester’s (SAF) Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. He also serves on the National Capitol SAF Chapter Executive Committee, where he is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership. Before joining SFI in 2013, he conducted fire ecology field studies as a U.S. Forest Service technician, and stream geomorphology and habitat assessments with an environmental consulting firm. He holds a Master of Natural Resource in sustainability from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from California’s Humboldt State University. Rocco’s extensive travel in Honduras and academic casework in India has led him to believe personal empathy and cultural understanding are among sustainability’s strongest tools.
Rocco Saracina
Senior Manager, PLT Network
202-596-3459
Rachel Lang
Program Coordinator
202-765-3641
RLang@plt.org
Rachel provides support to the entire Project Learning Tree®(PLT) team. Her responsibilities include the areas of curriculum, professional development, PLT network, and communications. Rachel holds a Master of Science in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Rachel Lang
Manager, Education Products
202-765-3641
Lydia Kidane
Coordinator, PLT Sales and Marketing
202-765-3651
Lydia.Kidane@forests.org
Lydia is Project Learning Tree’s® (PLT) main point of contact for customer inquiries, sales and service. She also helps manage PLT’s product inventory, fulfillment, and distribution. Lydia maintains PLT’s e‑commerce operations and provides sales reporting. She has strong experience in sales, marketing, and working with databases. Lydia also has a passion for sustainability, community engagement and urban forestry. Prior to joining PLT, she held positions as an office manager and arborist assistant. Lydia has a Bachelor of Arts in urban sustainability from the University of the District of Columbia.
Lydia Kidane
Coordinator, PLT Sales and Marketing
202-765-3641
SFI EDUCATION – PROJECT LEARNING TREE (PLT) CANADA
Jess Kaknevicius
VP, Community Engagement
647-797-1117
Jess.K@forests.org
Jess leads SFI’s work in community engagement, which contributes to the quality of life of communities and helps increase understanding of sustainably managed forests. This is accomplished through a grassroots network, community grants, Indigenous relations, and expanding SFI’s work with diverse communities. Jess is also driving the expansion of environmental education programming through Project Learning Tree Canada. Prior to joining SFI, Jess was with Forests Ontario, where she developed and expanded their education and awareness programs. She has won several awards including the Canadian Forest Industries’ Top 10 under 40 award and the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s James M. Kitz Award. She is also the proud co-founder of Women in Wood, a networking group aimed at bringing together women who work in, with and for the woods. Jess holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto.
Jess Kaknevicius
VP, Community Engagement
647-797-1117
Paul Robitaille
Director, Indigenous and Youth Relations
613-288-5856
Paul.Robitaille@forests.org
Paul plays a central role in SFI’s partnerships with Indigenous communities. He is a citizen of the Métis Nation, with roots in the historic Drummond Island Métis community, and has a wealth of experience in supporting Indigenous rights recognition, relationship building and socioeconomic development. Paul’s work also has a specific focus on understanding the unique realities faced by First Nation, Métis and Inuit youth. As both a professional and an elected community official, Paul has worked to build greater understanding and collaboration between Indigenous communities across Canada and the industry actors operating within their territories. Paul holds a Master of Science in Forestry from Lakehead University and a Forest Technician Diploma and Certificate in Aboriginal‑Canadian Relations from Confederation College. Paul is a recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal and the J. Michael Waldram Memorial Fellowship, recognizing his work as an emerging young Indigenous leader in the natural resources field.
Paul Robitaille
Director, Indigenous and Youth Relations
613-288-5856
Tara Topping
Manager, Career Education
343-803-0543
Tara.Topping@pltcanada.org
Tara develops career services for Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada. She supports our mentorship program, develops career resources and works with guidance counsellors to support youth in pursuit of their green careers. She is currently finishing an accreditation in co-op programs and has extensive experience in running EcoSchool programs. Tara also has experience working in green jobs with Parks Canada. She has over 10 years of high school teaching experience, where she focused on creating experiential learning opportunities for her students to help expose them to career opportunities. Tara earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ottawa and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University, with a minor in business.
Tara Topping
Manager, Career Education
343-803-0543
Zachary Wagman
Manager, Green Jobs
613-745-3706
Zachary.Wagman@forests.org
Zac manages Project Learning Tree Canada’s (PLT Canada) Green Jobs in Green Spaces Work Experience Program. The program successfully placed youth in over 2,000 jobs over two years by the end of 2019 and it will support over 1,300 jobs in 2020. During the summer of 2019, Zac embarked on PLT Canada’s Green Ride for Green Jobs. This cross-Canada cycling adventure covered over 9,000 km/5,500 miles to promote awareness of the many green career options for youth in Canada. These career opportunities cover a range of disciplines from silviculture and forest management to conservation and wildlife research, environmental education, and recreation. By telling their stories, Zac hopes more youth will consider pursuing a green career. Zac also manages the SFI Community Grants Program to support SFI’s community engagement initiatives. Zac received his Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Ottawa.
Zachary Wagman
Manager, Green Jobs
613-745-3706
Maria Chiarella
Youth Network Coordinator
343-803-0591
Maria.Chiarella@forests.org
Maria supports the administration of the Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada’s Green Jobs in Green Spaces Work Experience Program including employer and employee outreach, data analysis, reporting, and communications. Maria has extensive community and educational program development and delivery experience, including her work with the United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam as a junior professional consultant, and with EQWIP HUBS in Peru as an Environmental Sustainability Officer. The EQWIP HUBs project is a global network that connects Canadian volunteers, youth participants, and international partners through innovative programming in six developing countries. Maria has experience working with youth, delivering educational workshops, data analysis, and has supported the development of communications materials. Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Victoria. She is fluent in Spanish and English.
Maria Chiarella
Youth Network Coordinator
343-803-0591
Catherine Langille
Intern, Indigenous Youth Opportunities
613-742-3781
Catherine.Langille@forests.org
Catherine works to expand PLT Canada programming and to ensure that all initiatives are accessible and responsive to the unique needs of Indigenous youth across Canada. She also serves as a PLT Canada ambassador, inviting Indigenous youth, professionals, and employers to join PLT Canada’s growing community. Catherine’s experience navigating PLT Canada’s programming as a Green Jobs youth participant and mentee gives her an in-depth perspective on ways to support continued program growth. Prior to joining SFI, Catherine’s Green Jobs included working with Indigenous youth through the Outland Youth Employment Program and as a biologist assistant in an Ontario provincial park. She is studying for a diploma in environmental science and natural resources from Fleming College.
Catherine Langille
Intern, Indigenous Youth Opportunities
613-742-3781
Madhuri Jani
Coordinator, Green Jobs
613-742-3782
Madhuri.Jani@forests.org
Madhuri supports PLT Canada’s Green Jobs in Green Spaces Initiative with outreach to employers and youth. She works directly with provincial, territorial, and international network partners to ensure successful program operations across Canada. Madhuri also provides administrative support and develops communications products and reports. Before joining SFI, Madhuri planned and organized sustainability events and training programs at the University of Western Ontario in London. She also helped develop a strategy to engage tourism sectors to protect Lake Erie on behalf of an NGO. Madhuri holds a Master of Environment and Sustainability from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Science from Indira Gandhi National Open University in India.
Madhuri Jani
Coordinator, Green Jobs
613-742-3782
SFI COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Daniel Pellegrom
VP, Communications
202-596-3452
Daniel.Pellegrom@forests.org
Daniel leads SFI’s communication efforts with a focus on telling the dynamic SFI story to diverse audiences and stakeholders. The communication team supports SFI’s four pillars: standards, conservation, education and community and seeks to increase the understanding of multiple benefits of sustainable forests and all that SFI does to advance them. Prior to SFI, Daniel spent his entire career in the private sector at several different communications and public affairs agencies and at PepsiCo where he was Director, Sustainability Communications. He began his career in the Peace Corps where he led grassroots community development projects in Ghana. Daniel earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University in Washington D.C.
Daniel Pellegrom
VP, Communications
202-596-3452
Vanessa Bullwinkle
Senior Director, PLT Communications and Marketing
202-765-3726
VBullwinkle@plt.org
Vanessa develops and executes communications and marketing strategies to raise awareness of the importance of environmental education and learning outdoors. She publicizes the resources, training, and support available to teachers through a variety of digital, print, and traditional media. Vanessa also manages the development of Project Learning Tree’s®(PLT) IT infrastructure. She supports PLT fundraising and is helping to develop and implement a strategic sales plan to drive increased reach and earned revenue through direct‐to‐educator and partner sales. Prior to joining SFI, Vanessa was a publicist at the National Geographic Society where she promoted documentary films, television specials, and classroom educational videos. She has also worked in communications at the American Forest Foundation and was managing editor of Tree Farmer magazine. Vanessa has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Nottingham University in England.
Vanessa Bullwinkle
Senior Director, PLT Communications and Marketing
202-765-3726
David Folkerson
Director, PLT Canada Communications
613-565-0627
David.Folkerson@forests.org
David coordinates SFI’s communications work in Canada, with a particular focus on our conservation and community partnerships and government relations. He also leads communications for Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada, which includes the Green Ride for Green Jobs, and PLT Canada’s Green Jobs in Green Spaces Work Experience Program— its goal is to place over 1,600 students in green jobs by the end of 2019. Prior to joining SFI, David was Manager of Communications at the Canadian Horticultural Council, and Program Manager of Communications at the Standards Council of Canada. He has extensive experience working for not-for-profits delivering digital communications in addition to developing national communication strategies. David earned a Master of Business Administration in marketing from the Universitédu Québec en Outaouais and a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Ottawa. He is fluent in English and French.
David Folkerson
Director, PLT Canada Communications
613-565-0627
Monika Gurzenski
Director, Marketing and Design
Monika.Gurzenski@forests.org
Monika directs and develops the marketing and corporate brand identity for the SFI Program. She designs and produces a range of print and interactive materials including SFI’s annual progress report, fact sheets, brochures, posters, infographics and other external communications. Monika also produces the collateral material for SFI’s annual conference and collaborates with the SFI community and stakeholders to assist in developing communication materials. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in business, with a minor in Spanish, and a Master of Business Administration, both from Westminster College in Salt Lake City.
Monika Gurzenski
Director, Marketing and Design
Jennifer Byerly
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
202-596-3457
JByerly@plt.org
Jennifer supports both Project Learning Tree® (PLT) and SFI’s communications and marketing efforts. With a focus in digital communications and community-building through social media, she helps tell PLT and SFI’s stories in ways that engage new and existing audiences. As the former digital organizer for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership in Washington, D.C., she collaborated and created campaigns with partner organizations to support shared missions. She also identified, promoted, and created digital content and online advertising to support advocacy and fundraising. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia.
Jennifer Byerly
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
202-596-3457
Mirna Abdo
Manager, PLT Canada Communications
613-742-3786
Mirna.Abdo@forests.org
Mirna collaborates with the communications team and consultants to create compelling stories for a wide variety of channels. She helps plan, manage and review PLT Canada marketing and communications projects and collateral, including social media, media releases, news articles, video scripts, and email marketing campaigns. As a trilingual communications professional (English/French/Arabic), Mirna ensures that messaging is clear, effective, and adapted to target audiences, especially towards youth aged 15-30. Prior to joining PLT Canada, Mirna was a Digital Communications Lead at the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Mirna holds Bachelor’s Degrees in public administration and in graphic and web design from the American University of Beirut and she studied visual communications and design at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Mirna Abdo
Manager, PLT Canada Communications
613-742-3786
Alex Leonard
Intern, PLT Canada Communications
343-803-0540
Alex.Leonard@forests.org
Alex supports Project Learning Tree Canada (PLTC) communications. He specializes in creating engaging videos for social media. He also measures and analyzes the performance of digital content and creates meaningful graphics from raw data. Alex plays a key role in PLTC’s marketing and advertising campaigns. He monitors and optimizes Google AdWords and ads on Facebook and LinkedIn, and he helps manage cross-promotions with national partners. He was recognized with a Business London 20 in their 20’s award in 2019. Alex is completing his Masters in environment and sustainability at Western University, in London, Ontario, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and cultural studies from Concordia University in Montreal.
Alex Leonard
Intern, PLT Canada Communications
343-803-0540
SFI ADMINISTRATION/OPERATIONS
Brian Crowe
Chief Financial Officer
202-765-3545
Brian.Crowe@forests.org
Brian is responsible for SFI’s financial and economic strategy, as well as various operational matters. His experience includes for-profit and not-for-profit knowledge in financial analysis and valuation, individual and corporate tax, compliance, internal controls, and project and program management. Brian is passionate about the non-profit sector and has a proven record of aligning strategic initiatives with revenue and expense management to reduce deficit cycles and enhance value. Brian began his career in the banking industry, later transitioning to public accounting where he specialized in consulting and auditing financial institutions. Prior to joining SFI, he held positions as the Chief Financial Officer at the Council on Foundations and Assistant Director of Finance at Ocean Conservancy. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in business, a minor in economics and a master’s degree in accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the District of Columbia and holds a Certified Management Accountant credential.
Brian Crowe
Chief Financial Officer
202-765-3545
Nadine Block
Senior VP, Government and Network Relations
202-596-3456
Nadine.Block@forests.org
Nadine manages government engagement in the U.S. and Europe, particularly related to forest management, climate change, bioenergy, forest products procurement, and combatting illegal logging. She also oversees SFI’s community engagement strategy in the U.S. and supports SFI’s governance committees and strategic planning efforts. Prior to joining SFI in 2010, she held positions as Director of Forest Policy at the American Forest & Paper Association and as Program Manager at the Pinchot Institute for Conservation. Nadine has over 20 years of experience in natural resource policy focusing on public and private forest management, climate change, renewable energy, and international forest policy. Nadine holds a Master of Forestry from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Williams College.
Nadine Block
Senior VP, Government & Network Relations
202-596-3456
Sheden Alsaaty
Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships
202-719-1392
Sheden.Alsaaty@forests.org
Sheden is responsible for building partnerships and securing funding to advance the SFI’s mission. Sheden spent the majority of her career in international development where she designed, managed, and implemented programs benefiting marginalized populations—with an emphasis on women and youth. After nearly a decade of working across the Middle East and North Africa, Sheden transitioned into the philanthropic sector and held various development positions in organizations including the Council on Foundations. Sheden graduated with a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from George Mason University.
Sheden Alsaaty
Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships
202-719-1392
Gordy Mouw
Director, SFI Program Participant Relations
715-220-4132
Gordy.Mouw@forests.org
Gordy engages the SFI community to leverage the work of SFI Implementation Committees across the U.S. and Canada. He focuses on demonstrating the value of this work for SFI Program Participants. His career in forest certification began in 2004 and includes experience on both sides of the border. He led certification efforts that implemented chain-of-custody, fiber sourcing and forest management certifications at Stora Enso, NewPage and Verso. Gordy has served on 11 different SFI Implementation Committees throughout the Great Lakes region, the U.S. East Coast and Southeast. Gordy is a graduate of Michigan Technological University’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.
Gordy Mouw
Director, SFI Program Participant Relations
715-220-4132
Mila Snejinscaia
Business Director, Project Learning Tree Canada
613-703-5570
Mila.Snejin@pltcanada.org
Mila leads the financial operations of Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada, including reporting and compliance, in addition to supporting fundraising. Prior to joining SFI, Mila worked as a controller at various not-for-profit organizations for 10 years. She has more than 16 years of progressive experience in financial management and financial reporting in both private and not-for-profit sectors, reporting on various projects funded by all levels of government. Mila is pursuing her Chartered Professional Accountant designation. She holds a Master of Arts in history, ethnography and education, and has a teaching diploma. She speaks Russian fluently and has some facility in Romanian.
Mila Snejinscaia
Business Director, Project Learning Tree Canada
613-703-5570
Julia Hershberger
Senior Manager, Operations
202-596-3455
Julia.Hershberger@forests.org
Julia is responsible for leading the accounting operations for SFI Inc, including reporting and compliance. Julia also supports organizational operations related to human resources, technology, facilities, and other business matters. Prior to joining SFI in 2009, she performed as a classical flute musician and trained at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. She holds a B.A. from Goshen College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in accounting and financial management at University of Maryland University College.
Julia Hershberger
Senior Manager, Operations
202-596-3455
Jane Kim
Senior Manager, Finance
202-719-1393
Jane.Kim@forests.org
Jane supports SFI’s accounting and operations. Her varied responsibilities include the month-end financial close, budgeting, reporting, and accounts payable. Jane has extensive accounting experience in the non-profit sector. She previously served as Accounting Manager at the Council on Foundations, where she managed the day-to-day functions of the finance department. As a budget analyst at the Ocean Conservancy, Jane facilitated budgeting, reporting, and tracking program grants. She holds a BS in Accounting from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and is currently pursuing her certification in managerial accounting.
Jane Kim
Senior Manager, Finance
202-719-1393
Amandine Nonga
Business Operations Coordinator
202-596-3454
Amandine.Nonga@forests.org
Amandine supports the accounting and operations functions of SFI, Inc., and provides administrative support for the Washington D.C. office. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international business communication from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, U.K. Amandine is fluent in English and French.
Amandine Nonga
Business Operations Coordinator
202-596-3454
Alberto Sanchez
Administrative Coordinator
202-596-3470
Alberto.Sanchez@forests.org
Alberto supports a variety of needs for SFI, including D.C. office administrative support, meeting and event planning, and tradeshow coordination. Alberto has held internships with Members of Congress and worked with an environmental group in Los Angeles. Alberto holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Fresno Pacific University. He is currently pursuing an Master of Arts in legislative affairs at George Washington University on nights and weekends. Alberto is fluent in English and Spanish.