THE LEAFLET

Starting in May this year, Mark Buscaino will transition in his role from Casey Trees’ Executive Director to Senior Advisor, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history.

Since Mark started at Casey Trees in 2006, the organization has expanded from a staff of 10 to 70 employees, with its budget growing from $2 million to $10 million per year. Casey Trees operates two offices in Washington, DC’s Brookland neighborhood and has a 700-acre tree nursery in Berryville, Virginia, which produces 9,000 trees each year specifically harvested to thrive in challenging urban planting conditions. Over the years, Casey Trees has increased its program offerings, including urban conservation easements, tree pruning, invasive species mitigation, and tree research, among others. In 2020, Casey Trees expanded its reach by planting, educating, and advocating for trees throughout the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

Mark summarized Casey Trees’ work and constant progress: “Cities are complex, trees are long-lived, and results are measured over decades – making our work part science, part art. To remain on track, we follow three simple rules: 1) we remain true to our mission, 2) it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and 3) we set goals and engage programs to achieve them – and if results fall short, we try something new. That framework has served us well. The best example is Casey Trees’ launch of DC’s 40% canopy goal in 2008, which the Gray Administration adopted in 2013, and our Tree Report Card, which tracks progress yearly. The unique role Casey Trees plays in keeping DC’s canopy goal alive, and the efforts of all partners to achieve it, is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Regarding partners, Mark continued: “It’s been an honor to have been given the opportunity to guide the efforts of such a great organization, but credit for all our accomplishments falls squarely to Casey Trees staff, our Board of Directors, and many partners including but not limited to: Mayor Bowser and the DC City Council; DC Environmental Network; DC’s Urban Forestry Division and Environment Departments; MNCPPC; Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Fairfax County’s parks, schools and urban forestry units; Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories; US Forest Service; the Garden Club of America, and the many donors and supporters we rely on who fund our work.”

To replace Mark as Executive Director, Casey Trees’ Board of Directors has unanimously chosen Andrew Schichtel, Casey Trees’ Chief Operating Officer and 15-year veteran of the organization. In turn, Andrew has selected Robert Shaut, Casey Trees’ Director of Tree Operations for the Chief Operating Officer role. In the words of Casey Trees’ Board President, Jeff Stoiber: “This transition has been the result of a thorough process of which I’m incredibly proud. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank and celebrate Mark for his leadership and accomplishments and congratulate Andrew and Rob as Casey Trees’ next generation of leaders.”

Casey Trees remains steadfast in its mission to restore, enhance, and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. This executive transition ensures that Casey Trees is well-positioned to continue driving meaningful environmental change, engaging communities, and expanding the region’s tree canopy for future generations.