Georgia Peterson, Exec Director
As Executive Director, I am responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization, including managing committees, overseeing financial records, and developing strategic plans in collaboration with the board. I also provide leadership and vision in policy and procedures, and seek to develop partnerships with others to deliver MFA’s mission. I also hold a full-time position as a Natural Resource Extension Specialist at Michigan State University. I have two distinct responsibilities in this role: 1) to develop and deliver forestry education and outreach for private forest landowners and other citizens, and 2) to provide information, training and assistance to natural resource-based organizations on public input processes, conflict management and strategic planning activities. I received my B.S. in Forest Management and M.S. in Forest Recreation & Tourism from Purdue University, and my Ph.D. in Forest Sociology from Michigan State University in 2000. I enjoy hiking and camping up north (or anywhere else), as well as cruising around on my motorcycle. I also love international traveling whenever possible!
Jennifer Cronkhite, Admin. Assistant
Jen is a Colorado native and a forest lover. She holds a degree from the University of Northern Colorado in research and previous to her move to Michigan in 2010 worked as a social worker. Jen enjoys everything outdoors and relishes in leaning all she can about nature. She is an avid animal lover and looks forward to helping the Michigan Forest Association grow their outreach and educational programs.
Lisa Parker, Bookkeeper
Lisa holds a masters degree in Social Forestry from Michigan State University. She enjoys working with people, almost as much as working with forests and is happy to be a part of the Michigan Forest Association. She has been a member of the Michigan Society of American Foresters since her student days and is currently the society’s state secretary. Lisa works as a private forestry consultant for Clinton Trail Forest Consultants and with her own firm, RiverBend Willow Forestry. She is an avid amateur gardener who enjoys reading a great book, and the “k” sports of biking, hiking, kayaking and ‘skuba’ diving.