Chris Peiffer

About Chris Peiffer

Growing up I knew I needed to be in a career involving the outdoors and enrolled in Penn State\'s Forestry program, but had never considered arboriculture as my career. It was only then that I learned about the arboriculture field. My fascination for tree climbing reemerged and I became focused on the exciting and growing urban forestry field. Today, I get to work every day with something that I\'ve always appreciated and valued, trees. I specialize in urban forest planning, management, development, and innovation. I\'m experienced in the collection of tree inventory data, inventory data synthesis and analysis, and urban forest management plan writing. This experience includes regional canopy action plans and strategies, strategic planting plans, analysis and reporting of statewide tree inventories, strategic planting plans, and Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) reports. In addition, I manage UTC projects and tree inventory software development and manage many of the custom and subscription software projects. I have been one of the lead contributors to the design of innovative tree management software applications. I am an expert arborist and seasoned field crew manager with experience from leading tree care firms, understanding the maintenance needs, tree physiology, and tree responses to proper tree care.I specialize in strategic assessment and planning of natural resources, resulting in long-lasting positive impacts on communities and the environment. With four years of public service and a combined 12 years in the private sector, I have an understanding of both sectors’ perspectives, enabling effective collaboration to achieve successful projects and programs and deliver sustaining results.

Experience

1. Director of Urban Forestry Strategy

   Planit Geo

   Feb 2024 — Present

   In my role, I am accountable for senior-level project management and plan development, providing leadership across the company on industry direction, and utilizing effective methodologies and frameworks in project planning. I ensure the technical quality of the team’s deliverables through peer reviews and mentor staff as they advance their careers. I play a lead role in business development, including scoping and pricing proposals with the sales team, participating in project interviews, contributing content and ideas to marketing, and enhancing the overall customer experience through post-contract follow-ups. Additionally, I contribute to the company\'s and team’s strategic plans, manage subcontractors on projects as needed, identify ideal customer profiles and plan scales, and support staff interested in hybrid roles. I also continue to play a senior leadership role in quarterly company strategy meetings and other company planning activities.

Education

• Penn State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Urban Forestry

  2005 — 2009

• Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto

  Associate’s Degree, Forest Technology/Technician

  2005 — 2007