Board and Staff

The White Oak Initiative thrives under the direction and guidance of a passionate team committed to the long-term sustainability of white oak ecosystems. We work collaboratively across sectors to ensure WOI is effective in our work to ensure sustainable upland oak forest management and regeneration.

Members of the White Oak Initiative Board of Directors, government liaisons and staff at a board meeting in 2024.

White Oak Initiative Board of Directors, Government Liaisons and Staff

Board of Directors

  • LinkedIn Profile Image of Chris Erwin

    Chris Erwin, Chair*

    Executive Vice President, Alabama Forestry Foundation

  • LinkedIn Profile Image of Kyle Day

    Kyle Day, Vice-Chair*

    Senior Manager of Forest and Field Sustainability, Suntory Global Spirits

  • LinkedIn Profile Image of Rob Farrell

    Rob Farrell, Secretary*

    State Forester, Virginia Department of Forestry

  • Independent Stave Image of Jeffrey Lewis

    Jeffrey Lewis, Treasurer*

    Land Assistance Program, Independent Stave Company

  • Nick Biemiller

    Director, Southeast Forest Restoration, American Forests

  • LinkedIn Profile Image Kyle Brazil

    Kyle Brazil

    Coordinator, Central Hardwoods Joint Venture

  • Dan Dey

    Retired, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station

  • Teal Edelen

    Director of Forests, US Endowment for Forestry and Communities

  • Eastwood Forests Profile Image of Alex Finkral

    Alex Finkral

    President and CEO, Eastwood Forests

  • Doug Little

    Director of Conservation Operations East, National Wild Turkey Federation

  • American Forest Foundation Image of Will Martin

    William Martin

    Executive Vice President of Business Innovation, American Forest Foundation

  • Lee McCoy

    Sustainability & Log Audit Manager, Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc.

  • LinkedIn Profile Image of Aaron Plaugher

    Aaron Plaugher

    Fiber Sustainability Manager, Smurfit WestRock

  • Image of Allen Pursell

    Allen Pursell

    Director of Forest Programs, Sam Shine Foundation

  • Tennessee Wildlife Federation Profile Image of Alex Richmond

    Alex Richman

    Chief Operating Officer, Cumberland Springs Land Company

  • Heather Slayton

    Tennessee State Forester & Assistant Commissioner, Tennessee Division of Forestry

  • Shane Tapscott

    Senior Manager, Jack Daniel’s Barrel Distribution & Used Barrel Sales within Brown Forman

  • Scott Taylor

    Co-Owner, Elk Cave Farm

  • University of Kentucky Image of Jeff Stringer

    Lance Vickers

    Assistant Professor of Forestry, University of Kentucky

  • LinkedIn Profile Image of Elizabeth Wise

    Elizabeth Wise*

    Chief Global Government Relations and Public Affairs Officer, Sazerac Company

*Member of executive committee

Government Liaisons

  • Amadou Diop

    USDA Forest Service

  • Susan Ellsworth

    USDA Forest Service

  • Cotton Randall

    USDA Forest Service

  • Kay Reed

    USDA Forest Service

  • Matthew Vandersande

    USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Staff

  • Profile picture of

    Jason Meyer

    Executive
    Director

    With a background in forestry and conservation, environmental education, and nonprofit management, Jason brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to the White Oak Initiative. Prior to leading two nature centers, he was a Registered Professional Forester in California, working with the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

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  • Profile picture of

    Jamie Lewis Hedges

    Conservation Partnerships
    Director

    Jamie is an accomplished environmental and outdoor recreation leader with a rich background in interdisciplinary studies and a passion for community engagement. With a master’s degree focused on natural resources and community development, along with a bachelor’s in outdoor recreation management, Jamie brings over a decade of experience in conservation

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  • Profile Picture of

    Erin Gabbert

    Cumberland Plateau Partnerships
    Coordinator

    Erin holds a master’s degree in forest resources management, exploring black walnut as a financial opportunity for private landowners. Her professional background includes environmental education, service forestry, and silviculture with the U.S. Forest Service. These experiences give her a broad perspective on natural resource management and sustainable forestry.

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