Representing members of the State of Vermont.
2021 GMD Officer Candidates
Elections for Green Mountain Division have opened! Below are the bios for our slate of candidates for the GMD Officers.
Alexandra Kosiba – candidate for Vice-Chair
Ali is a forest scientist interested in understanding the impacts of climate change and the management strategies that could be used to lessen these impacts. Ali recently joined the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation as the new Climate Forester. Prior, Ali received her MS and PhD degrees in Natural Resources from UVM, where she continued to work in a several positions, including research scientist, forestry instructor for Dendrology and Natural Resources Ecology and Assessment, and project manager for the Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative.
Jas Smith – candidate for NESAF Representative
In his new role with VT Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC), Jas is developing a forestry program, in part through a grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission. He engages landowners and foresters in promoting the role of Timber Stand Improvements through the vantage point of Youth Education and Workforce Development. There has been a decline in timber quality throughout New England, and he hopes to play a part in reversing the trend while working with Youth. VYCC strives for diversity, inclusion, and helping underserved communities, and is an affiliate of AmeriCorps (the National Youth Service Corporation). Jas will soon end his 3-year term as member of the Committee on Forest Policy with National SAF. He feels very fortunate to have served in this role and gained much knowledge of various disciplines within forestry through working on the broad range of Position Papers with advanced professionals throughout the country. He hopes to now return his focus to New England matters; he was the Policy Chair from 2016-2017.
Robert Kobelia – candidate for NESAF Representative
Robert Kobelia, CF of Bennington, VT has over 40 years of forest management experience in New England and New York and is President of Forester Extraordinaire, LLC. He is an ESF Grad and a longtime SAF member. He is or has been a Licensed Forester in VT, NH, Maine and MA and is a NY Cooperating Consultant and a NRCS TSP. From 1992 – 2010, he was President of Northeast Wood Products.
Bob has lived on his Bennington farm since 1986 with his wife of 49 years Kristena Kobelia. Personal Interests include: Networking and Socializing for Business; Fine Wine and Gourmet Food; Music and Theater; Singing – Base; Elks and Knights of Columbus; Family Time, 6 Grandchildren; Boating; Fishing; Golf; Skiing; Hunting and time on Clearwater Beach.
Candidate for Treasurer – this could be you!
Serving in SAF is a rewarding experience and excellent way to develop relationships within your profession. Your local division is a great place to start. If you are interested in learning more about this position, please reach out. We’d be excited to talk with you!
Virginia (Ginger) Anderson – candidate for Secretary
Virginia (Ginger) Anderson graduated from the University of Vermont in 1979. She joined SAF as a student member while at UVM. Ginger spent 8 years with the US Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest and Utah working on presale/timber sale activities. While in the West she also worked for Atterbury Consultants and for the Makah Tribal Council before returning to Vermont.
Ginger worked for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation from 1990-2019. She retired from the Barre District Office as Forestry District Manager.
Ginger lives in Berlin, Vermont with her husband Stephen Bushman. They have two grown daughters.
Green Mtn Executive Committee Officers
Anthony (Tony) D’Amato – Chair (2021 – 2022)
Addison Kasmarek – Immediate Past Chair (2021 – 2022)
Downloads
| File | Description | File size |
|---|---|---|
 Green Mountain Division By-Laws 2005 | 124 KB |