Jennifer Howard

principal

I grew up in rural Illinois. As a young girl, I listened to the morning farm reports on my uncle’s knee. I grew and canned my own veggies. I sheared Christmas trees in Illinois and built boardwalks in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park.  I have always loved being outdoors

While I began my career as a field forester in North and South Carolina, it didn’t take me long to discover that forestry isn’t just about trees – it’s about business. And livelihoods. And government. And the environment. And conservation. And cultural attitudes. And competing interests.

It’s a constant battle of wits and strategy.

So I have dedicated the last 20 years of my career to learning about these issues as a marketing and communications professional at WestRock (formerly MeadWestvaco). In this time I have acquired considerable experience turning business obstacles into opportunities, shaping messages for specific audiences, and achieving favorable outcomes – not just for my employer but for communities where they operate.