As our societies grow and change, the wildland fire community has to continue to evolve in its workforce and practices to better meet the expectations place upon it. Although the thought of and having diversity, equity, and inclusion conversations can be challenging, they represent opportunities for each of us to engage and lead from where we are. This session will focus on learning through sharing stories and experiences to provoke introspection problem solving.

Presented by Terry T. Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Society of American Foresters. Originally from Marianna, FL, Terry Baker is the CEO of the Society of American Foresters. SAF is a 120 year old professional association focused on the advancement of sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology, promoting professional excellence while ensuring the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity. Prior to his selection as SAF CEO in 2018, Terry served in various roles within the USDA Forest Service. His almost 20 year federal career started in his home state of FL on the Apalachicola National Forest. From there, he held positions on several other national forests in the western and southeastern US. He has been a wildland fire fighter, forester, and administrator of over 1 million acres. Baker earned a master’s degree in forest management and policy from Yale University in 2007, a bachelor’s degree in forest resources and conservation at the University of Florida in 2004 and was honored by UF as one of their 40 under 40 alumni in 2019. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from Florida A&M University