One Tree Planted Announces Executive Leadership Changes to Drive New Phase of Growth

Today, One Tree Planted is announcing leadership changes that underscore our commitment to strategic growth and innovation in order to meet the urgent needs of these unprecedented times.  Healthy forests are critical to achieving global climate goals, reversing biodiversity loss, and building resilience within local communities. 

Matt Hill, who founded the organization in 2014, is no longer affiliated with One Tree Planted. Through this evolution of leadership, we are poised to deepen our impact and we are grateful for the groundwork laid by Hill as we look to the future. 

As previously reported, the Board of Directors moved to strengthen our leadership structure with the appointment of Hank Lynch as President and CEO in January.  Lynch is a horticulturist and ISA-certified arborist who brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience to the organization. He most recently served as CEO of WildAid, a wildlife and habitat protection and awareness organization and a 2023 recipient of The Earth Shot prize.  

In April, One Tree Planted welcomed Matthew Jeffery, as Chief Program Officer. Jeffery is a highly regarded organizational leader and strategic thinker with extensive global experience in conservation. He most recently served as a member of the National Audubon Society, where he held various leadership positions and crafted conservation strategies across the Western Hemisphere over a 16-year tenure. Prior to his work at Audubon, Jeffrey worked in Southeast Asia to combat the illegal wildlife trade and establish protected areas. With a career spanning diverse ecosystems and cultures, Jeffery has earned trust and respect worldwide. His notable achievements include the establishment of the Cardamom Forest Reserve in Cambodia, the protection of mangroves in Panama, and new Marine Protected Areas in The Bahamas.

At One Tree Planted, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. We recognize that the challenges facing our natural world are vast and interconnected, demanding collective solutions that extend beyond what any single organization can achieve. These joint efforts not only amplify our impact but also bring innovative approaches and sustainable practices to the forefront of restoration. Donor support and collaboration play a critical role in this equation, providing the essential funding that fuels our projects and partnerships. 

Thank you for your commitment to reforestation and One Tree Planted. Together, we will continue to expand our work restoring degraded landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and supporting local communities.