Dogwood Alliance’s Executive Director, Danna Smith, has been elected to the Environmental Chamber of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Board of Directors. The Forest Stewardship Council promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of forests around the world. Dogwood Alliance fans know them best as the group that developed FSC certification for paper sourcing, ensuring that the entire paper production process is managed sustainably.

The Forest Stewardship Council‘s Board is comprised of nine individuals elected from among FSC’s US-based members, and six appointed members. The Board is divided into Environmental, Economic and Social Chambers.

“The fact that Danna was elected by Dogwood’s peers in environmental work is a huge honor,” said Dogwood Chair Eva Hernandez. “It shows that Danna’s leadership — and Dogwood Alliance’s abilities — are respected throughout our field.”

“FSC relies on leadership from our diverse membership to maintain our integrity, credibility and balance, so it’s fantastic to have Danna Smith join the US board, where she can provide a vigorous voice for protection of forest ecosystems,” said Corey Brinkema, president of FSC US. “With the Forest Stewardship Council experiencing rapid growth in the Southeastern US, it’s also great to have Danna’s knowledge of the region and deep connections throughout the forest products marketplace.”

Amanda Rodriguez

Amanda is a first generation Cuban American. As a child in West Virginia, she saw first-hand the impact of forest destruction. Now, she helps others support Dogwood Alliance’s vital mission and applies her skills to online and web marketing. A poet, essayist, and fiction writer, Amanda is also the filmmaker of Dogwood’s "Stories Happen in Forests" documentary. She holds a Masters degree from Queens University of Charlotte and a BA from Antioch College. Amanda has been with Dogwood Alliance since 2010.