George Geissler

Washington State Forester George Geissler joined the Washington Department of Natural Resources in 2018, capping over 30 years of public and private forestry, and wildland firefighting experience. In Washington, he’s leading agency’s efforts in wildland fire management and forest health and resiliency. George holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University and his Master of Business Administration from Harvard.  He is also a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester. Prior to joining DNR, he served eight years as Oklahoma State Forester and Director of the Oklahoma Forest Service. He also served as the agency’s Forest Management Chief before advancing to the director position where he coordinates the department’s Forest Stewardship program, forest management planning, nursery and genetics programs and prescribed fire program establishment and implementation. Before joining OFS George managed and directed operations of an investor owned utility holding company with operations in the central US and overseas, and later established and managed a natural resource management firm for 8 years. George has also served with the U.S. Forest Service, as a silviculturalist in Idaho based on the Boise National Forest and was a member of the Boise Hot Shots for six years. George is a past president of the Southern Group of State Foresters and is past president of the National Association of State Foresters. He is also a principal on the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and is Chair of the NASF Wildland Fire Management Committee.