Harry ‘Hank’ Lynch to be One Tree Planted President and CEO Effective January

In 2023, One Tree Planted reached a key milestone by having planted 100 million trees around the world since its inception, and 2024 will be another important year as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Board of Directors has signaled that 2024 will also mark the next phase of the organization’s development with the appointment, effective January, of Harry ‘Hank’ Lynch as the new President and CEO. 

“Tree planting and reforestation are more important than ever in effectively combating the climate and nature crises facing humanity,” said Board Chair Mark Benthin, “and we have enlisted Hank to strengthen our capacity to meet this monumental challenge.”

Lynch is a resident of Norfolk, Virginia. He most recently held the position of President and CEO for WildAid, which is an international NGO working in 24 countries and is the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Earthshot Prize award, presented by Prince William for the organization's work in the area of global marine protection. Lynch has previously led Reston, Virginia as its CEO. Reston is recognized as the first Biophilic City in the United States. He has also served as the CEO of the nation’s oldest and largest farmed animal welfare, education, and advocacy organization with operations and offices across the country. Additionally, Lynch’s previous executive experience includes the top positions at The National Maritime Center in Norfolk, Virginia and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in northeast Ohio. 

Lynch holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Delaware, where he was selected into the celebrated Longwood Fellowship program, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from the University of Maryland. He began his career as a horticulturist and ISA-certified arborist. He studied advanced executive leadership and management at Harvard University’s Business School, the John F. Kennedy School of Government, as well as the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Executive program.

“I am so very pleased to have earned the trust of the One Tree Planted Board and been allowed to serve this unique and inspiring organization,” said Lynch. “I am excited to be joining a highly professional staff and accomplished Board in both protecting and growing the environmental impact of One Tree Planted, and to provide the leadership necessary to keep its brilliance shining.”   

 “We have an amazing team, dedicated planting partners, and supportive corporate and individual donors who have together made One Tree Planted so successful,” noted Matt Hill, the organization’s Founder, “and I am happy to pass the baton of President and CEO to Hank Lynch to guide us to even greater levels of service in forest restoration while I continue as Chief Environmental Evangelist.”