On December 12, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced new leadership on its Board of Directors with Brad Mallory serving as Chairman; Tina Molski, Vice-Chair; Jim Grace, Treasurer; and Mary Soderberg, Secretary.

At the November meeting the new executive team was chosen to lead PPFF in its mission to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests through public engagement in volunteerism, recreation and conservation.

The new leadership team includes backgrounds as government, military, business, and recreation leaders. The diverse skill set of the new leadership team will be a huge asset to the group’s efforts in the 20th year of the foundation.

Mr. Mallory’s prior work experience includes Executive Deputy Secretary and Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; Chief Executive Officer,  member of the Board of Directors, and President of Engineering, Michael Baker Corporation; and Chair, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. 

The Foundation noted Mallory’s proven track record in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, organizational development, as well as his enjoyment of state parks and forests will be advantageous to his work as PPFF’s Chairman..

Ms. Molski is the current Director of Operations for REI’s East Coast Distribution Center. Previously, Molski held the position of Operations and Distribution Manager with General Mills and served as a Logistics Officer in the US Army.  She is an avid user of state parks and forests and wants to ensure that they are available for recreation and educational purposes for all.

Dr. Grace, is a recent retiree from the Goddard Chair in Forestry and Environmental Resources at Pennsylvania State University, as well as State Forester and Deputy Secretary of Parks and Forestry at Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  Grace was central to Pennsylvania’s state forests becoming the nation’s first certified public forest.

Ms. Soderberg, with more than 30 years of experience working and volunteering in Pennsylvania state government, has worked for the Appropriations Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget and the Auditor General.  Additionally, Soderberg is the vice chair of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

“The Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2019, thanks to the visionary leadership of its founders and board members,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “We are excited to move forward with continued quality leadership for the advancement of our mission to be stewards and advocates for Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.”

Additional Board Members include Nancy Ball, Brian Clark, George Fernandez, Gus Frederick, Brian Kavalukas, Rep. Mark Longietti, and Maria Montero. Advisory board members consist of Linda McKenna Boxx, William Forrey, Jon C. Oliver III, Gary Smith, and Rob Wonderling.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,  Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.  Click Here to become a member of the Foundation.

(Photo: Brad Mallory.)

[Posted: Dec. 12, 2018]

12/17/2018