Our Team/Staff

Board member – Sustainable Maryland, Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education, Clean Air Partners, 5 Million Tree Commission, Maryland Sustainable Forestry Council and Bowie Supportive Housing Corporation; Lay Leader – St. Matthews UMC Bowie, MD

Graphic designer; Watershed / community activist; Chair, Natural Resources Careers Camp committee Baltimore City Forestry Board

Board of Directors – American Chestnut Land Trust;  Maryland Urban & Community Forest Committee;  Natural Resources Careers Camp and Urban Forestry Careers Camp committee;   Treasurer – Calvert Forestry Board

Nicole Mehmedovich brings a dynamic blend of strategic financial leadership and mission-driven service to her new role as Finance Officer. With a Master of Business Administration and a Chief Information Officer certificate, she will combine financial insight with systems thinking to bring a collaborative, data-informed stewardship to the Foundation’s finances.  She holds black belts in Shotokan Karate and laidō, and is a brown belt in Aikido, with an approach to challenges that embodies the rigor and grace found in the martial arts.

Nicole will eventually become the sole Financial officer of the Foundation, responsible for making strategic financial decisions that ensure the long-term strength and growth of the Foundation. Her responsibilities span not only finance but direct program support of our educational programs: NRCC, UFCC and Fellowship.

Emma Beck holds a graduate degree in Resource Communications from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. She brings expertise in communications across federal, nonprofit, and educational sectors. Her background includes leading nationwide onboarding and training initiatives for the U.S. Forest Service, coordinating high-profile events for diverse audiences, and developing strategic content that fosters connection, growth, and stewardship of people and the planet.

The Field Officer for the Maryland Forestry Foundation is a new role that will focus, in collaboration with the Maryland Forest Service, on supporting Forestry Board operations at the county level by facilitating communication, strengthening landowner engagement, assisting with the recruitment and onboarding of members, and ensuring alignment with statewide stewardship goals.

Patricia Foss-Bennie works with the Foundation on social media, special publications and branding.