Just as the Dogwoods announce spring’s arrival, NFF placed their first Field program position in the East. I came to my new position at NFF directly from the Pew Charitable Trusts – Environment Group as a Field Officer working on public lands and marine fisheries campaigns. Prior to that, I was the Director for the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition, a collection of conservation groups working on public lands protection, restoration and collaboration focusing mainly on the southeastern National Forests.

For a long time I have worked alongside the very dedicated NFF team – through peer learning, collaboration and even as a Matching Awards Program partner, among other interactions over the years. Their ability to support the work of the Forest Service and to lift up forest communities is unmatched. I am very excited to be a part of such a talented team and look forward to increase NFF’s presence in the East.

Starting out as a young’un in the Granite State, I have remained a steadfast friend of the forest – living and playing in our National Forests (especially those along the Appalachian range of the East). Today I make my home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the shadow of the Black Mountains and the highest points east of the Mississippi River, in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina.

When not working diligently to bring folks together to protect and restore America’s backyard, you can find me playing in it – trail-trudging, biking, canoeing, kayaking and just about anything outside.

It is an honor to get this opportunity to support our National Forests. It may be tempting as spring starts to show it’s colors, but it’s time to get to work. Saving some time to get outside of course. I hope to See you in the Forest.