The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, a fitting backdrop for this month’s theme of reflection, momentum, and what comes into clearer focus at the right moment.
That framing feels especially fitting as we celebrate Maria Reyes joining World Forestry Center as Director of Philanthropy. As World Forestry Center celebrates its 60th anniversary, the organization continues to inspire champions of sustainable forestry and support forests, climate, and society. Through its Discovery Museum, Forest Pub Talks, rotating exhibitions and films, and events ranging from educational gatherings to candlelight concerts, it is increasingly becoming a place where people come not only to learn, but also to gather. With plans for a future mass timber outdoor pavilion, the vision of World Forestry Center as an even more active community space is continuing to take shape.
For an organization in a milestone year, this kind of hire matters. World Forestry Center is building on a strong foundation while expanding its reach, and the Director of Philanthropy role is central to supporting that next chapter.
Maria came to the role from the Oregon Zoo Foundation, bringing a strong background in development, conservation-focused fundraising, and public service. She also serves as a Councilor for the City of Tualatin, reflecting a long-standing commitment to community leadership.
What makes the placement especially resonant is the personal connection Maria brings to the mission. She has shared that she grew up in the concrete landscape of Los Angeles and that her first meaningful experience in nature came through a forest summer camp for underserved children — a transformative experience that changed how she saw the outdoors and stayed with her. That history gives this role added weight, linking her professional strengths with a mission that has shaped her for years.
This search called for more than fundraising experience. It required someone who could pair strategy with strong relationships, lived experience, and an understanding of how development can help advance mission over time. Maria brings that mix to World Forestry Center at an important moment in the organization’s growth.
We were glad to support a search focused on genuine alignment — between the leader, the mission, and the opportunity ahead. Placements like this are a reminder that the right hire can help an organization build with clarity and purpose at exactly the right time.
As Sue, Managing Director of World Forestry Center, shared, “Outstanding team, service, and results. We will partner with Acumen again, and it really was a great partnership; we feel like they are important members of our team.”
As the solstice invites a pause to reflect on what is taking shape, this placement stands out as a strong example of timing, mission, and leadership coming together. We are excited for Maria and for World Forestry Center as its 60th anniversary year continues.