Dr. William Pitt Named President & CEO of The American Chestnut Foundation

Published May 3, 2023

On April 27, 2023, The American Chestnut Foundation’s (TACF) Board of Directors announced that conservation leader Dr. William Pitt has been appointed President & CEO of TACF. Dr. Pitt will further the organization’s mission currently led by President & CEO Lisa Thomson. Ms Thomson announced in 2022 her wish to step down after more than eight years of service. Dr. Pitt will assume his responsibilities on July 31, 2023.

With over 25 years of experience leading science and conservation efforts in the U.S. and around the world, Dr. Pitt is passionate about the environment and creating opportunities where all people benefit from conservation action. As President & CEO, he will lead TACF in its pioneering work to preserve North America’s forest legacy, despite continued and increasing threats from introduced pests and pathogens.

In making this announcement, William J. Cude, Chair of TACF’s Board of Directors stated, “I am thrilled to have Dr. Pitt joining our team. We are at a critical juncture in our history as we begin to focus on the restoration of this iconic species. He is superbly qualified to lead this effort.”

Currently, Dr. Pitt is deputy director at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute leading six science centers and education and conservation programs, as well as administration and operations. Previously, with the USDA’s National Wildlife Research Center and as a researcher, he focused on restoration of ecosystems, reducing the impact of invasive species, and training the next generation throughout his career.

Dr. Pitt also expressed his enthusiasm in accepting his new role stating, “I am honored to be joining this inspiring team that is developing disease-resistant populations and building widespread community support to restore the iconic American chestnut. Due to the ground-breaking efforts over the last 40 years, TACF is launching a new phase of restoration in the American landscape.” Dr. Pitt has published more than 90 peer-reviewed articles and books. He earned both a Ph.D. in Ecology and a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Utah State University and a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Biology from the University of Minnesota.

TACF engaged Kittleman & Associates to conduct a search for its new President & CEO. Kittleman & Associates is a national executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities, and philanthropic organizations.

Sara Fitzsimmons in 2005 with Jim Gage, Dr Phil Arnold, Dr Robert Gregg

2005
Sara Fern Fitzsimmons with Jim Gage, Dr Phil Arnold, & Dr Robert Gregg

2006, Sara Fitzsimmons pollinates at Stockers

2006
Sara pollinating at Stockers, PA

Sara rating cankers at Thorpewood

Sara rating cankers at Thorpewood, MD

Sara at the 25th Annual TACF meeting

2008
Sara at the 25th Annual TACF Meeting

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2009
Sara in the PSU Graves Orchard

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons in the Glenn Swank stump, 2009

2009
Sara in the Glenn Swank stump, PA

Sara at the International Chestnut Symposium, 2012

2012
Sara at the International Chestnut Symposium

Sara in Vermont

2014
Sara with Harmony Dalgleish and the Berlin American chestnut in Vermont

Kendra and Sara in the field

Sara and Kendra Collins working in the field

Sara presenting at the 2022 TACF Spring Meeting

2022
Sara presenting at TACF’s Spring Meeting

Sara (in the rocker) with TACF staff at the Fall Meeting

2023
Sara (in the rocker) with TACF staff at the Fall Meeting

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons

2024
Sara in the Penn State greenhouses