Nisqually Community Forest Hires Gifford “Marco” Pinchot IV as First Executive Director
Olympia, WA – Nisqually Community Forest (NCF) is pleased to announce the hiring of Gifford “Marco” Pinchot IV as its first executive director. Marco brings a background in forest ecology, sustainable business and community engagement to his new role. “I’m excited to help lead a forest rooted in partnership,” he said, “where ecological health, cultural priorities, and sustainable local economies are all part of the mission.”
As the great-grandson of Gifford Pinchot—the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service—Marco has built a career at the intersection of natural-resource management, climate resilience, and community-based conservation. “He’s the perfect fit for us,” said NCF Board President Justin Hall.
Marco said he will focus on strengthening partnerships with the Nisqually Tribe and local communities while advancing ecological forestry practices that restore habitat, support local economies, and protect water quality and other ecosystem services. “My vision is rooted in collaboration, long-term stewardship, and honoring the cultural and ecological values of the forest,” he said.
Founded in 2014 as a subsidiary of Nisqually Land Trust, Nisqually Community Forest is a nationally accredited nonprofit conservancy. It co-manages 5,500 acres of timberlands and critical salmon habitat near Mount Rainier National Park with the Nisqually Indian Tribe. NCF’s mission is to acquire and manage working forests in the Nisqually Watershed to provide sustainable economic, environmental, and social benefits to local communities.
For more information, visit the NCF website, www.nisquallycommunityforest.org, or contact Justin Hall at justin@nisquallycommunityforest.org.