WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) announced the addition of Eli Weissman who will lead the organization’s conservation practice as Senior Director of Conservation Partnerships. In this role, Mr. Weissman will serve as the principle liaison with conservation organizations and oversee all aspects of SFI’s Conservation and Community Partnership Grant Program.
“Eli’s wealth of experience in developing meaningful partnerships is second only to his deep knowledge of the conservation and environmental sectors,” said SFI President and CEO Kathy Abusow. “We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the exciting conservation projects and programming to come.”
“SFI is a fantastic organization, and I am honored to bring my skills to advancing the cause of responsible forest management,” said Mr. Weissman. “Sustainable forestry practices are paramount to solving not only the issues facing our precious natural resources today, but ensuring that they can be enjoyed by future generations.”
Mr. Weissman brings more than fourteen years of experience to the SFI program, having worked in senior roles for several national environmental organizations, including American Rivers and the Ocean Conservancy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, a Master’s degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington, and a Certification in Environmental Management from the University of Washington, Graduate School of Business.
Since 1995, SFI program participants have contributed more than $1.3 billion for research activities, including forestry research, science and technology. In 2010, SFI Inc. created the Conservation & Community Partnerships Grant program to foster partnerships between organizations interested in improving forest management in the United States and Canada, and responsible procurement globally. In 2012 SFI Inc. devoted its grant dollars to projects that support water resources. Through the involvement of partners, these research projects leverage additional resources, achieving a total investment of $4.8 million.
ABOUT SFI
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) advances sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that leverages four interconnected pillars of work: standards, conservation, community, and education. SFI works with the forest sector, conservation groups, academics, researchers, brand owners, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments. Collaborating with our network, we leverage SFI-certified forests and products as powerful tools to help solve sustainability challenges such as climate action, conservation of biodiversity, education of future generations, and sustainable economic development.
MEDIA CONTACT
Christine Leduc
VP, Communications and Government Relations
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
613-706-1114
media@forests.org
