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Kayci Willis, Forest Programs Manager – Maine TREE
As the daughter of a teacher and a state forester, Kayci Willis was raised with a passion for learning and a deep connection to land stewardship. She spent her childhood in the woods of North Carolina and knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in natural resource conservation.
Kayci’s academic journey revolved around studying the relationships between ecological, economic, and social drivers of conservation efforts. Driven by ambition and passion, she earned several degrees, including two Bachelor of Science degrees from North Carolina State University, one in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and the other in Natural Resources Policy and Administration with a minor in Forest Management. Additionally, Kayci holds an Executive Master of Natural Resources and a Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability from Virginia Tech.
Not one to shy away from field work, Kayci spent the first years of her career getting her hands dirty. Sooty, to be specific. Traveling across the country as a prescribed fire practitioner, she utilized fire as a land management tool, promoting ecologically appropriate forests and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. During this time, she recognized the importance of holistic management of forests, and how these spaces can be utilized for people, wildlife, and ecosystem services at the same time.
Kayci Willis monitors a prescribed fire in Chattahoochee National Forest
Now at Maine TREE, Kayci looks forward to supporting and advancing sustainable forestry in Maine. As a dendrology nerd, she is equally excited to learn about the tree species and forest communities of the Northeast.
Kayci enjoys curling up with a book, sketching in her nature journal, playing tennis, disc golfing, and bike riding. As she explores her new home, she can be found trying out the new hobbies it offers. On the list is learning how to surf, rock climb, and ice skate.
Join us in welcoming Kayci to our team and the beautiful state of Maine, and feel free to let her know of any cool places she should check out!
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