The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) has announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Abusow, will retire in 2026, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 19-year tenure that reshaped the organization's impact across North America.
A Legacy of Transformative Leadership
Kathy Abusow's leadership at SFI has been characterized by visionary growth and measurable results in sustainable forestry practices. During her tenure, she guided the organization through a period of significant expansion, dramatically increasing its reach, relevance, and global recognition within the forestry sector.
Expanding Forest Certification Footprint
Under Abusow's direction, SFI achieved unprecedented scale in forest certification. The organization expanded its Canadian and U.S. footprint to encompass more than 150 million hectares (approximately 370 million acres) certified to the SFI Forest Management Standard. This certification network includes diverse forest types across public, private, Indigenous, conservation, university, urban, and community lands.
Additionally, millions more acres have been positively influenced through the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard, creating a comprehensive approach to sustainable forest management across North America.
Broadening Organizational Scope
Abusow's leadership extended beyond certification standards to encompass multiple dimensions of environmental stewardship. She spearheaded initiatives in conservation collaboration, community engagement, Indigenous relations, environmental education, and career development within the forest sector.
In 2017, she led the integration of Project Learning Tree (PLT) into SFI, significantly growing this award-winning environmental education program. The initiative recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, demonstrating Abusow's commitment to long-term educational impact.
Creating Green Career Pathways
Abusow founded PLT Canada in 2018, which has since placed more than 8,700 individuals in Green Jobs positions. The program has achieved notable diversity milestones, with 50% participation by women and 15% by Indigenous youth. Hundreds more young adults have been reached through complementary initiatives like Green Mentor and Youth Delegate programs.
Throughout her career, Abusow has been a prominent voice advocating for sustainability and diversity within the forestry sector, consistently working to ensure the industry better reflects broader society.
Leadership Transition and Succession Planning
Reflecting on her career, Kathy Abusow stated, "It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve SFI and work alongside such dedicated colleagues, partners, and board members. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and in fact, one of my greatest accomplishments is having built an amazing team at SFI and a strong Senior Leadership Team."
Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation and Chair of the SFI Board of Directors, praised Abusow's contributions: "Kathy's leadership has invaluably shaped who SFI is today. She has been a strategic growth leader who translated mission into impact and results. Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and people has left an indelible mark on our organization."
Organizational Restructuring
As part of the transition, Abusow's current roles as President & CEO of SFI and President & CEO of PLT Canada will be divided into three distinct positions: President of SFI, President of PLT Canada, and a new SFI CEO.
Members of Abusow's Senior Leadership Team will be elevated during this transition period. Jason Metnick has been named President of SFI, while Christine Leduc, RPF, has been appointed President of PLT Canada.
Future Direction and Strategic Planning
The SFI Board of Directors will undertake a comprehensive search for the organization's next Chief Executive Officer over the coming months. This rigorous recruitment process aims to identify a leader capable of building upon the organization's current strengths while advancing its mission and implementing SFI's 2025-2030 Strategic Direction.
Abusow expressed confidence in the organization's future, noting, "I have every confidence in the continued success of the organization." Her retirement in 2026 will conclude a transformative chapter for SFI, leaving behind a strengthened foundation for continued growth and impact in sustainable forestry.
