World Forestry Center welcomed two new staff members to the growing team: Sue Hildick, Managing Director, and Alli Gannett, Communications Director. Learn about Sue and Alli below.
Sue Hildick
I am passionate and optimistic about helping create a stronger, more resilient world.
Working on our collective response to wildfires, climate change, and other global changes feels like the most impactful way to spend my time right now. I’m a builder and love the opportunity to support our growing team and deepen our collective impact.
Contact Sue at shildick@worldforestry.org.
Sue Hildick joins the team after a successful career in government affairs and non-profit organizations. Before joining the WFC staff, Sue was the Director of Public and Governmental Affairs for Clackamas County. Previously, Sue served as the founding president of Foundations for A Better Oregon (FBO) and the Chalkboard Project, and as the executive director of the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross. Sue credits many of her career opportunities to her long-time affiliation with former U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield.
As managing director, Sue will oversee the day-to-day management of the organization and serve as a collaborative and strategic partner to Executive Director, Joseph Furia.
“I am excited to join WFC at a time when a major pivot is underway to create the conversations needed to change the future,” said Sue. “I’m a builder and love the opportunity to support our growing team and deepen our collective impact. I’m hopeful that WFC can convene new and established players in conversation and action around sustainable forest management for the benefit of all.”
She is passionate about women in leadership and positive empowerment programs for girls. She has served as Chair of the Board of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, Chair of New Leadership Oregon and the Mark O. Hatfield Advisory Board at Portland State University, as well as Vice-Chair of Marylhurst University, and as a member of the Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon Community Board. Sue holds a B.A. in Government from Georgetown University and an M.B.A. from Marylhurst University.
Sue is a fourth-generation Oregonian. She lives in southwest Portland with her 15-year-old child, Charlie, and two Havanese pup-sisters, Rosie and Mable.
Alli Gannett
I am eager to bring my passion for connecting with people and diving into complex issues from the heart into the communications of World Forestry Center in the hope of providing more entry points for everyday individuals to realize their voice is needed in the forestry conversation.
Contact Alli at agannett@worldforestry.org.
Alli Gannett joins the team after a career in religious communications for The Episcopal Church, working with the dioceses of Connecticut and Oregon. Most recently, Alli served as the Director of Communications for the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon. In her career with the church, Alli has produced an award-winning podcast, shared transformational stories, and led workshops and retreats on the healing connection between nature and spirituality.
She is passionate about authentic and captivating storytelling that shares the vibrant and complex relationship between society and the environment in a comprehensive, aesthetic, and relatable approach. Alli holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University and a B.A. in Religion from the University of Pittsburgh. No stranger to the forest, Alli has lived and worked in two national parks, Bryce Canyon NP and Mt. Rainier NP, and has clocked in over 1,500 miles on the Appalachian Trail.
“I know firsthand the importance forests play in the lives of everyday people. It is essential that we highlight those stories and invite more people to the forestry conversation,” said Alli. “The more people realize that the way our forests are managed affects our lives, the more they will feel empowered to join the conversation and make a change for our future.”
Alli is originally from Maryland but has called the west her home for several years. She lives in southeast Portland with her partner, Tim, and fearless toddler, George.