The Alabama Forest Land Trust has protected nearly 83,000 acres of farm and forestland in 24 counties and an additional 13,000 acres while administering the Forest Legacy Program for the Alabama Forestry Commission. 

Last week, the trust appointed Thomas Reddick, who brings a strong background in conservation leadership, as executive director.

Prior to joining the organization, Reddick was with The Cooper Timberlands division in Mobile and, more recently, served as director of Forest Management with the Nature Conservancy of Alabama. 

“It’s an honor to lead AFLT into its next era, building upon the foundation Dan and the board established, as the leading conservation organization for private landowners in Alabama,” Reddick said.

“I’m excited to be back in Mobile and continue advancing working forest conservation while supporting the local landowners and economies that make our work possible.”

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Reddick has a master’s degree from the University of Georgia’s Langdale Center for Forest Business and an undergraduate degree in forestry from Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.

In 2016, he completed certification as a Registered Forester in Alabama. As executive director, Thomas will lead the organization’s growth initiatives and drive innovation, further solidifying AFLT’s position as a leader in land conservation in Alabama. 

Reddick succeeds the late Dan Dumont, who executive director since AFLT’s inception. Dumont was a respected leader within the industry and has led a storied career focused on wildlife and forestland conservation. He was the driving force to establish and grow the AFLT as an accredited land trust. 

The AFLT Board of Directors said in an announcement they will be indebted to  Dumont for his contributions and leadership.  

“AFLT was created to enhance, promote, and preserve the productivity and sustainability of Alabama’s forest resources to ensure their economic and environmental benefits for future generations,” the statement reads. “Established in 1986, AFLT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed by an Executive Director and governed by a state-wide representation on its Board of Directors.

“As AFLT enters this new chapter under the leadership of Thomas Reddick, it is committed to continuing its mission of forest sustainability and preservation.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270