Bob Gordon
The Institute of Foresters and Australian Forest Growers is seeking public opinion on a new name as it looks to increase its reach and profile. IFA/AFG President Bob Gordon said the decisions made at the last board meeting would further grow the organisation’s profile and skillset, helping deliver greater outcomes for its members. Source: Timberbiz
Pollinate, a market research company lead by Howard Parry-Husbands, has been engaged to consult with the general public about a list of possible new names for the organisation.
“As increasing our profile is very important to IFA/AFG members, the board wants to ensure any new name being considered will support this objective,” Mr Gordon said.
“The board expects to hear the perceptions from over 1000 members of the general public and the results from the survey will be available to the board in May/June for discussion.”
Meanwhile Jim Wilson has been appointed as a director of the IFA/AFG and Leon Holt has been appointed as a board observer.
“The appointments of Jim and Leon will assist us as we continue to adapt and deliver for our members, forest science and the broader forest sector,” Mr Gordon said.
IFA/AFG CEO Jacquie Martin said that she was delighted to be working with Mr Wilson and Mr Holt.
“Jim Wilson and Leon Holt are long-time supporters of the IFA/AFG and are passionate about the future of the profession, the sector and our association,” Ms Martin said.
“Jim’s career has been focused in the private sector and he has invested his recent years working with Forico in Tasmania, as well as providing significant service to the forest sector in advocacy and leadership. Jim is a registered Forestry Professional.
“Jim is also an active farm forester with both plantation and native forest in Tasmania. His experience and knowledge in these areas will bring a new dimension to the board and his recruitment is part of the Institute’s succession plans.
“Leon’s background is in native forestry and the public sector in Victoria, he was awarded the Prince of Wales Award for Sustainable Forest Management in 2019. He lives in northern Victoria with his young family and has recently begun establishing a farm forestry enterprise. As a long-time contributor to the IFA/AFG, and the sector more broadly, Leon’s continued insight will be highly valued in this new role.”
“I am delighted to provide service to the Institute as a director. The future is bright for our profession,” Mr Wilson said.
“We are increasingly recognised as an enabler to a significant climate change solution. My passion is with people and I’m interested in supporting the IFA/AFG as we mature into the merger, rebrand as a united entity, and recruit broader membership interest from all who are passionate about well managed forests.”
“I am very happy to continue contributing to the IFA/AFG in the role of board observer, after several years working on the Future Foresters Initiative and the Member Services Working Group,” Mr Holt said.
“I’m passionate about forestry and the future of our profession, and I have recently started out on what I’m sure will be an exciting journey as a tree grower. I think the IFA/AFG is increasingly providing a leadership role in our sector, and I look forward to being part of the institute as we continue to become more diverse, promote our brand, advocate for forestry, and deliver more and better member services.”
