Leadership

The White Oak Initiative thrives under the direction and guidance of a passionate team committed to the long-term sustainability of our white oak ecosystems. Each member of our diverse leadership team is pivotal in shaping our strategic direction and ensuring we stay rooted in our mission. They work collaboratively across sectors to ensure that the WOI is effective in our work to ensure sustainable upland oak forest management and regeneration.

White Oak Initiative Board of Directors, Government Liaisons and Staff

Board of Directors

Elizabeth Wise, Chair*

Chief Global Government Relations and Public Affairs Officer, Sazerac Company
Rob Farrell, Secretary*

State Forester, Virginia Department of Forestry
Chris Erwin, Treasurer/Vice-Chair*

Executive Vice President, Alabama Forestry Foundation
Kyle Brazil

Coordinator, Central Hardwoods Joint Venture
Kyle Day

Senior Manager of Forest and Field Sustainability, Suntory Global Spirits
Alex Finkral

President and CEO, Eastwood Forests
Jeffrey Lewis

Land Assistance Program | Independent Stave Company
Doug Little

Director of Conservation Operations East, National Wild Turkey Federation
William Martin

Executive Vice President of Business Innovation, American Forest Foundation
Aaron Plaugher

Fiber Sustainability Manager, Smurfit WestRock
Allen Pursell

Director of Forest Programs, Sam Shine Foundation
Alex Richman

Chief Operating Officer, Cumberland Springs Land Company
Jeffrey Stringer*

Chairman of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky
Scott Taylor

Co-Owner, Elk Cave Farm