John A. Helms Elected Vice-President of the Society of American Foresters;

John A. Helms Elected Vice-President of the Society of American Foresters;

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Three Council Members and 53 Fellows Also Elected

John A. Helms of Orinda, California, has been elected vice-president of the Society of American Foresters. After serving SAF as vice-president in 2004, Helms will assume the SAF presidency-the organizations top volunteer leadership post-on January 1, 2005.

Helms, one of the nations leading experts in silviculture, is professor emeritus at the University of California-Berkeley. He served as professor of silviculture at the university from 1964-94 and chaired the Department of Forestry from 1989-93. Helms holds a PhD in silviculture (1963) and a masters in forest management (1960) from the University of Washington. He also holds a diploma of forestry (1953) from the Australian Forestry School and a BS in forestry (1953) from the University of Sydney, Australia.

"I am privileged to be elected vice-president because forestry in the United States, and indeed worldwide, is at a threshold of opportunity and believe I can make a difference," says Helms. "Rapid change in public attitudes toward forest resources makes the potential role of SAF increasingly important. I want to strengthen SAF so it is fully recognized and respected for its mission to serve employers and the public and to enhance professional forestry."

The 2003 SAF elections also resulted in the election of three new representatives on the SAF Council, the organizations governing body. The newly elected representatives include Gary M. Nakamura of Redding, California, an area forestry specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension. Nakamura will represent Voting District 3 (Hawaii, Northern California, and Southern California SAFs.) Leo C. Laferriere, CF, of Waitsfield, Vermont, a consulting forester, will represent Voting District 6 (New England and New York SAFs.) Robert J. Cunningham, CF, of West Plains, Missouri, regional supervisor of the private land services division of the Missouri Department of Conservation, will represent Voting District 9 (Great Plains, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky-Tennessee Missouri, Ouachita, and Ohio SAFs.)

Fifty-three SAF members were also elected SAF Fellow. Fellows are SAF professional members who have been identified by their peers as having rendered outstanding service to forestry and the Society. The 2003 Fellows will be announced later this month after they have been notified.

The Society of American Foresters represents more than 17,000 professional foresters and natural resource professionals. It is the scientific and educational association representing the profession of forestry in the United States. The Society's primary objective is to advance the science, technology, education, and practice of professional forestry for the benefit of society.

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5400 Grosvenor Lane * Bethesda, MD 20814-2198 * (301) 897-8720 * Fax (301) 897-3690 * www.safnet.org

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