You can watch the entire conversation as a video here.
His connection to trees began long before he led the organization. Growing up on a farm, Hank spent a lot of time in a large orchard. A deep connection to nature developed early on among the fruit trees and fresh earth. When it was time to choose a path of study, his father gave him advice that still accompanies him today: "Do something you love – then you'll always find a way to make a living from it."
Hank took these words to heart. He studied horticulture and arboriculture and worked for many years as a certified arborist. In this profession, he literally spent his days in the crowns of trees. Later, he completed training in non-profit management and began leading organizations that deal with environmental and nature conservation issues worldwide.
When One Tree Planted was looking for a new CEO, this opportunity felt like a full circle to him. His career had begun among trees and now led him to an organization whose mission is to restore forests around the world.
Forests as a place of calm
For Hank, forests are far more than just ecosystems. They are a feeling. "For me, a forest is like coming home," he says. "Or like visiting one of those magnificent cathedrals – something awe-inspiring that also provides peace."
Some forests he has visited in his life have particularly stuck with him. Places he returns to again and again, simply to experience that feeling. This emotional connection to nature also shapes the work of One Tree Planted.
How new forests are created
The decision of where to plant trees is more complex than many think. One Tree Planted now works with over 400 planting partners worldwide. But before a project starts, numerous factors are considered.
First, it is assessed where the need is greatest and what impact a project can have – on soils, water resources, biodiversity, and local animal species. Collaboration with local people is particularly important. "If the local community does not support a project, it will not be sustainable," Hank explains. That's why One Tree Planted works closely with local partners and community leaders and creates educational programs around reforestation and nature conservation.
According to Hank, the support and involvement of the local population are essential. If they are not engaged, it is likely that they will consume a part of the forest in times of economic hardship. Often, it is precisely these communities that can contribute crucial knowledge. "Local people have an incredible amount of knowledge about their landscape," says Hank. "Learning from them is one of the most exciting parts of our work."
Why reforestation is more than just planting trees
A common misconception is that reforestation alone can solve the climate crisis. Hank takes a nuanced view. "Planting trees is important, but it's only part of the solution," he explains. "We as humans also need to change our behavior and live more sustainably."
Forests can sequester carbon, create habitats, and stabilize ecosystems. But long-term change requires more than individual projects. It requires a broader rethinking of how we interact with our environment.
The role of companies
This is where companies come in. Partnerships with organizations like One Tree Planted can make a big difference, especially if they go beyond individual projects. For Hank, it's primarily about collaboration along the entire value chain. Companies can involve their suppliers and partners and thus help to scale up reforestation projects. "What we really want is not just to plant more trees," says Hank, "but to restore more forests and landscapes."
A look into the future
When Hank thinks about the next five to ten years, he is optimistic. One Tree Planted has succeeded in making the topic of reforestation understandable for many people and in creating global awareness for it. Innovations could also help to make reforestation even more effective. Technologies, new scientific findings and data-based approaches are constantly opening up new possibilities.
Hank draws particular hope from the next generation: "When I see how young people look at the world and the ideas they develop, it makes me incredibly optimistic."
A piece of advice for the next generation
Finally, Hank has a simple but powerful piece of advice for young people who want to make a difference: "Don't take advice from your fears, stay kind, and be a leader." For him, leadership doesn't mean telling others where to go. A leader is someone who finds new paths. "A leader is a pathfinder," says Hank. "Someone who discovers a path – and helps others to follow it."
And these are exactly the kind of people needed to secure the future of our forests: Pathfinders.
