Christine Cadigan

Experience

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  Virginia Department of Forestry

  May 2007 - Aug 2007

  Assistant to Director of Forest Management

  Worked with foresters in the Central Office to monitor CREP land, visited community to assist with policy application, helped with FIA data collection, conducted chestnut pollination and research, and produced a comprehensive forest management plan.

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  The American Chestnut Foundation

  May 2009 - Aug 2009

  Breeding Program Researcher and Volunteer Coordinator

  Independently researched, created, and validated a geospatial predictor map for chestnut mothertree “hotspots” in western Connecticut. Involved extensive literature review on relevant local historical and biological information, data collection and analysis, and ground truthing for verification. Coordinated area breeding program to incorporate local genes and delegated program tasks through volunteer organization.

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  Duke Forest

  Sept 2009 - May 2010

  Outreach Coordinator

  Evaluated the residential community impact of a deer herd reduction program in the Forest. Synthesized economic data for alternative options to engage stakeholders in understanding the ecological importance of program implementation. Created and led informational and historical tours to foster community appreciation for urban forests and land conservation.

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  Southern Environmental Law Center

  May 2010 - Aug 2010

  Advocacy Research Intern

  Completed an assessment for the General Counsel to determine extent to which US Southeast woody biomass supply can meet a state Renewable Portfolio Standard electricity demand. Independently conducted extensive literature review, policy analysis, and data processing to model regional contributions. Researched and identified subsequent carbon cycle implications of biomass utilization. Shadowed attorneys involved in a relevant energy case to investigate application of policy, stakeholder/client interest, and the litigation process. Show less

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  American Forest Foundation

  Feb 2011 - now

  Leader, or Chief Product Owner, of the FFCP since its inception. Managed program growth from a handful of team members to nearly 50 in two years' time. Led the program toward a validated, innovative methodology through Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard, an expansive launch of a small landowner offering in the Central Appalachian region, almost $50 million in Emissions Reductions Purchase Agreements with major corporations, and the first $10 million issuance of a third-party designated Green Bond, addressing Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, 15 and 17. Show less Responsible for overseeing AFF's Northeastern conservation program across 13 states from Virginia to Maine. Managed a small team to implement 4 individual woodland owner outreach projects in targeted geographies while simultaneously working to advance strategic partnerships that work to scale woodland owner wildlife conservation outcomes across 1.6 million acres owned by roughly 30,000 landowners. Responsible for managing a roughly $500,000 (and growing) budget, including federal, foundation and major donor grants and gifts. Show less Project lead for place-based conservation projects in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic region. Managed 3 projects, reaching more than 5500 woodland owners in targeted geographies to engage them in stewardship for conservation outcomes. Also facilitated partner collaboration and fundraising to implement additional regional projects to protect wildlife habitat on family-owned woodlands. Initiated comprehensive regional assessment to quantify forest benefits specific to family woodland owners, to understand partner priorities and projects, and to ultimately develop a holistic, regional strategy to coordinate all future projects. Show less Work within the context of the public policy team to achieve organizational mission of conserving America’s forests. Primary responsibilities include leading and managing Forests in the Farm Bill Coalition, a diverse coalition of conservation and industry partner groups, engaging and training a strong network of family forest advocates in 12 target states, educating and lobbying Members of Congress and the administration on pertinent issues for family forests, including NRCS conservation programs, USFS State and Private Forestry programs, and promoting the specific potential of private forests to contribute to the President’s U.S. emissions reductions goal, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan. Also led as Project Manager for research partnership on family forest threats and benefits. Involved coordinating research objectives with senior management, tracking research progress and making necessary adjustments, managing budget for initial cost and subsequent implementation of results, and leading strategy session to best integrate results into all aspects of organizational work. Show less

  • Executive Vice President, Carbon Origination

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Senior Director, Family Forest Carbon Program

    Jan 2021 - Jan 2023

  • Director, Family Forest Carbon Program

    Nov 2019 - Jan 2021

  • Director, Northeastern Woodland Conservation

    Jan 2017 - Nov 2019

  • Senior Manager, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Woodland Conservation

    Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

  • Manager, Woodland Conservation

    Jun 2014 - Dec 2015

  • Manager, Public Affairs

    Jul 2011 - Jun 2014

  • Public Affairs and Conservation Coordinator

    Feb 2011 - Jul 2011