The National Association of State Foresters' Foundation (NASFF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1983 by the members of the National Association of State Foresters to promote and advance state and private forestry in the United States. NASFF supports educational initiatives that foster leadership for current and future members of the state forestry community. NASFF also provides a limited number of grants that are restricted to state forestry agencies, NASF, and allied interests. Projects supported by the Foundation further the recognition of state forestry agency leadership in promoting healthy, well-managed forests.

Foundation Programs

Internship

Since 1999, the NASF Foundation has been supporting on-the-job experience for graduate and undergraduate students through the NASF Internship Program. This program gives students the opportunity to engage at the national level in legislative and communication activities that influence the future of state and private forestry in the United States. Interns receive valuable training working with state foresters, observing and participating in the governmental process, developing communication materials and strategies and gaining knowledge through various activities in Washington, DC. This opportunity fosters unique qualifications and skills that help young professionals progress and grow in their professional careers in forestry and beyond.

Executive Fellowship - John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

The National Association of State Foresters Foundation, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry, offers a fellowship for a state forester or senior manager from a state forest agency to attend the program for Senior Executives in state and local government at Harvard University. The fellowship is a three-week session focused on exercising leadership and uses a case study approach in designing solutions to real life problems. Participants gain expertise in strategy and political management, creating public value, negotiation, crisis management, financial stewardship and internal capacity and performance management.

Foundation Board Officers

Chairman
Dr. Burnell C. Fischer
Former State Forester of Indiana

Vice Chairman for Business
Mark Matuszewski
Former State Forester of Kentucky

Vice Chairman for Investments
Michael G. Buck
Former State Forester of Hawaii

Secretary / Treasurer
Gerald J. Thiede
Former State Forester of Michigan

Foundation Board Members

Winston A. Wiggins
Former State Forester of Idaho

Paul D. Frey
State Forester of Louisiana

E. Austin Short, III
State Forester of Delaware

Leah W. MacSwords
State Forester of Kentucky

Larry A. Kotchman
State Forester of North Dakota

Ray Aslin
State Forester of Kansas

Steven G. Scott
State Forester of Tennessee

C. Randall Dye
State Forester of West Virginia

Gary L. Hergenrader
Former State Forester of Nebraska