Donn Zea
President
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Donn Zea has 18 years experience working in the forest products industry in California.
For the past 11 years Donn has served as president of the California Forest Products Commission, an organization authorized by the legislature in 1990 to engage in marketing, education and research activities that foster an understanding of the benefits of California forestry and California grown wood. The Commission is recognized as a leading source of credible information on a variety of issues including sustainable forestry, green building and the benefits of managed forests in providing clean air and water, renewable energy and solutions to catastrophic fire and climate change. In addition to being the senior administrator, strategist and spokesman for the organization, his responsibilities include leading an incredible team of scientific, communication and education professionals, developing critical partnerships and broadening the base of financial support for their programs
Donn also serves as president of The Forest Foundation, a non-profit organization working to inform Californians about the relationship between the forest environment and human needs. The Foundation is at the forefront of research and communication on solutions to address the growing wildfire crisis through scientific forest management.
Prior to coming to the commission in 1997, Donn served as the Vice President of Industry Affairs for the California Forestry Association, a trade association representing the forest landowners and wood products manufacturers.
Before entering the world of forestry, Donn spent five years working in campaign management and legislative staff positions.
Donn graduated from Cal Poly, Pomona, with a Degree in Political Science and was saved from going to law school through a need to become an adult.
He and his wife Lisa have three children, Madeline, Hannah and Harrison. They live in Grass Valley, located in the Sierra foothills of Northern California.
Donn enjoys being involved as a coach for his children's various sports teams. He recently accepted the position of head coach of the cross country team at Forest Lake Christian, where his children attend school.
In an inexcusable expression of selfishness, Donn encourages his family to endure as his support crew during 100-mile endurance trail runs. In 2008, he is scheduled to participate in the Western States 100, Wasatch 100 and is attempting a 135-mile solo run from Badwater (Death Valley) to Mt. Whitney this summer.
Professional and Community Responsibilities
Chairman, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources & Environmental Management Advisory Board, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Vice Chairman, College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Science, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Board of Governors, Agricultural Research Initiative
Board of Directors, Buy California Marketing Agreement
Board of Directors, Pacific Forest Foundation
Member, Forest Industry Association Council
Member, Forest Products Society
Member, Agricultural Advisory Council, California State Fair
Board of Directors, Auburn Ski Club
Coach, Crossroads Church Kids Club