Meet Our Staff

Curtis Cook possesses over twenty years of senior management and executive experience, including with non-profit organizations, First Nations, and municipalities. He has lived and worked in communities across Canada, including in regions where forestry is a significant economic driver. His work as an economic and business consultant provided him with multiple opportunities to conduct forest industry research and analyses for both public- and private-sector clients.

As Executive Director of the $12 million Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Curtis led socio-economic, environmental conservation, and educational initiatives aligned with the UNESCO Biosphere Program. He was the Executive Director of the award-winning Olds Institute for Community and Regional Development and served as Executive Director of Operations for the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

Curtis has authored books on competitive intelligence and intellectual property, as well as over 100 articles on business, technology, innovation and trade. He is thrilled to be joining the CIF-IFC, working with the Board, team, and sections, and building beneficial relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders.

Kerry joined CIF in February of 2014. Becoming the Office and Finance Manager for CIF was a second career for Kerry as she rejoined the workforce after her son started school. Kerry and her family live in Mattawa and she splits her time between work and chauffeuring her busy son to all his various activities. Over her time at CIF Kerry has met many great people from across the country who have a passion for Forestry.

Natasha has held various positions at the CIF-IFC since 2016. Prior to joining the CIF-IFC, she worked in the forestry and outreach/communications sectors in Ontario and British Columbia for various consulting firms and not-for-profit organizations. In her current role as the CIF-IFC Director of Programs and Initiatives, Natasha provides leadership and direction on the Institute’s flagship programs, knowledge exchange and competency training, and forest education initiatives at a national level. She is the primary point of contact for grant agreements and maintaining strategic partnerships to support the delivery of programs that promote knowledge transfer and applied learning. Natasha holds a Master of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto and is a Registered Professional Forester.

Rachel is a passionate marketing and communications professional with a robust background in integrated marketing communications, creative concept development, design, copywriting, and social media strategy. Rachel holds a diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Sheridan College and has many years of communications and non-profit experience, where she has honed her skills and cultivated her dedication to fostering meaningful connections between brands and audiences. When she’s not busy with work, you can find her outside taking care of her garden, or going on hikes with her rescue dog. As proud Métis citizen, her commitment to both her craft and her natural surroundings shows how she takes a well-rounded approach to both her personal and professional life.

As the Fundraising and Membership Coordinator, Steph supports the Executive Director in advancing the Institute’s fundraising and membership goals. She oversees fundraising initiatives and leads efforts to strengthen member recruitment and retention. She has served in various other roles since joining the CIF-IFC in October 2019, including Forest Science Extension Coordinator and Projects and Programs Officer. She has had a hand in coordinating and delivering many CIF-IFC knowledge exchange and transfer initiatives, including events, workshops, and demonstrations that fostered professional networking, outreach, and applied learning to benefit forest practitioners. Some notable achievements in her CIF-IFC career include coordinating the first-ever Virtual 2020 CIF-IFC National Conference & AGM and spearheading the revitalization of The Forestry Chronicle, the Institute’s scholarly journal.

Steph holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from Lakehead University and a Natural Environment Technologist diploma from Sault College. She remains committed to advancing her career in forestry with the CIF-IFC and contributing to its legacy and impact on forest practitioners.

Sharon received her Master of Science in Forestry and Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON. Her previous working experiences at Lakehead University include helping students with registration issues and preparing annual reports for research labs. During her free time, Sharon enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and crafting. Her role at CIF-IFC includes assisting the staff in the coordination and delivery of national forest science programs. She is excited to use her strengths and knowledge to build a bridge between forest professionals and practitioners across the forest sector to promote sustainable forest management practices and researches!

Tanisha grew up in the suburbs of Toronto and always felt a deep appreciation for urban green spaces. The parks, creeks and forests were an oasis of peace in a chaotic world. It wasn’t until her third year of undergrad at the University of Waterloo at an Earth Science elective lecture that she felt that the environmental sciences could be her calling. Upon graduating, she explored this more by working in the environmental field and later getting a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Guelph. She has since worked with the Credit Valley Conservation, Toronto Botanical Garden, and the Humber Arboretum as an outdoor educator. She is now thrilled and humbled to join the CIF-IFC Team and looks forward to working with like-minded people with a passion for our splendid forests.

Madison (Maddy) VanCamp holds an MSc in Science Communication from Laurentian University and a BSc in Biology from Trent University.

Maddy’s work at the CIF-IFC supports a wide range of projects that advance the organization’s work across research, professional development, communications, and engagement.

She is passionate about connecting science, practice, and people and supporting initiatives that build understanding and resilience in the forestry sector.