Texas Forestry Association today announced that Ron Hufford, Executive Director, will retire by the end of the year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have spent 33 years doing what I love with people I admire and respect,” Hufford said. “We have faced many challenges in our industry and have survived all of them. We have created an effective means for the public and the industry to work together and to communicate with legislators for and against issues in forestry. We have continued and deepened our partnership with Texas Forest Service and many other state agencies to keep forestry a viable and valuable resource. With our long-term vision and the five year plan in place, I am confident the growth and partnerships will continue in the future.”
Hufford has been the association’s executive director since January, 1984. During his tenure at TFA, Hufford established Project Learning Tree and the Teacher Conservation Institute, and developed several councils under TFA’s umbrella to bring together the diversity of the forest industry.
“It is humbling to see the support and encouragement from staff and friends alike as I retire,” Hufford said. “While I am stepping away from the desk and closing the door on this chapter, I am not leaving the forest. The woods and its many benefits have been a long-time passion for me. I’ll be out there among the trees, spending time with my wife and my children and sharing that passion with my grandchildren.”
Before joining TFA, Hufford worked with Southern Forest Products Association based in New Orleans, Louisiana as Mid-Western Field Representative before being elevated to director of Field Services, and later named the Vice President of SFPA’s Forest Resources and Environmental Division.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Southern Illinois University. Following his college education, Hufford served as an officer and pilot in the U. S. Air Force.
Hufford is the Past Chair of the Texas Agricultural Council, Advisory Board Member to the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program, Past Chairman of the Texas Society of American Foresters, Member of the Society of American Foresters, Past Chair of the Texas A&M Forest Science Advisory Council, Past President and member of the Lufkin Rotary Club, Past Board Chair and member of First Christian Church- Lufkin.
“Ron has served the landowners and industries directly and indirectly involved in forestry with the same conviction,” Board of Directors President Dr. Jerry Marcontel said. “He has spent a large portion of his career in Austin protecting Texas forests as well as the individual landowner, the corporations and the service professionals. For that, and all that he has done for Texas Forestry Association, we are forever grateful.”
Hufford is a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters and a Life Member in the Texas Forestry Association. He has received the Distinguished Service to Forestry Award from the Texas Society of American Foresters and is a recipient of the Build East Texas Bill Clements Memorial Award for Outstanding Leadership in Agriculture. He is an Eagle Scout and has received the District Award of Merit, Scoutmaster Award of Merit, and Silver Beaver from the Boy Scouts of America.
“All of us at TFA are very proud of Ron and his accomplishments with Texas Forestry Association,” said Susan Stutts, Assistant Director of TFA. “While we are deeply saddened to see him go, we know that he will enjoy this next step. Ron’s dedication to open communication and strong partnerships have benefited everyone involved in TFA and forestry in Texas.”
TFA will begin accepting applications beginning Feb. 1, 2017. Resumes should be emailed to tfa@texasforestry.org.
