Mary Mitsos Named President and CEO of National Forest Foundation

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May 18, 2017, 15:32 ET

MISSOULA, Mont., May 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the National Forest Foundation (NFF) announced today that Mary Mitsos has been appointed President of the organization effective May 29.

She succeeds Bill Possiel who is retiring after leading the NFF for 19 years. Under Possiel's leadership the NFF has grown substantially in the number of cooperative partnerships with corporate, philanthropic, and community-based entities and in the volume of work done on the ground in terms of forest health and improving recreational opportunities.

Mary Mitsos, recently named as President and CEO of the National Forest Foundation.

Currently Executive Vice President at the NFF, Mary has led national, regional, and local conservation initiatives at the NFF since 2001. "Mary brings passion for the forests, a record of leadership, and tremendous experience at the NFF," noted Craig Barrett, NFF board chair and retired chairman of Intel. "Her understanding of the U.S. Forest Service, its partners, and the tremendous challenges and opportunities facing our National Forests and Grasslands position Mary perfectly for this key role. The entire board is excited about her leading the NFF into its next phase of growth and achievement."

"Taking the helm of the NFF is truly an honor. I am excited to expand my work to create healthier forests, vital communities, and lasting partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service," commented Mitsos. "I care deeply about this mission. The opportunity to lead it collaboratively and creatively with the NFF's board, staff, and many supporters and partners nationwide is a great privilege. These public lands are truly treasures in countless ways; that idea will drive the NFF forward in the years to come."

For additional information, please go to: www.nationalforests.org/newpresident

The National Forest Foundation promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities, and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org.

SOURCE National Forest Foundation