Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry recently chose George Geissler to serve as the Oklahoma State Forester and Director of Forestry Services.
Prior to his selection, Geissler served as Staff Forester with Oklahoma Forestry Services and in this position he coordinated statewide forest management programs.
His selection follows the retirement of State Forester, John Burwell. “I have no doubt the division will be in good hands for many years to come,” said Burwell. “George has exhibited strong leadership skills that will serve him well.”
Geissler has been a professional forester for 22 years. A native of New Orleans, La., he has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from Louisiana State University, a Master of Business from Harvard University and is a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester.
Before joining Oklahoma Forestry Services, Geissler owned a natural resource consulting firm based in New Mexico with clients located in 18 western states specializing in forest management and wildland fire preparedness. This company was sold in 2002.
Geissler was also the Corporate Forester for Central and Southwest Services, an electric utility holding company with operations in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana, Great Britain and Brazil. He has also held positions as a wildland firefighter for the US Forest Service and a procurement/land management forester for a major forest products company.