ArborGen proudly welcomes Jeff Slaga, a seasoned forestry professional with nearly 30 years of experience in East Texas. With a degree in Forest Management from Stephen F. Austin State University and a diverse career spanning district forestry, environmental consulting, herbicide sales, and senior land management, Jeff brings invaluable expertise to landowners.
The assistant orchard supervisor provides the leadership, technical knowledge and operational know-how required for efficient and cost-effective production of genetically superior open pollinated (OP) and mass control pollinated (MCP) pine seed. The assistant supervisor is proficient in all aspects of orchard management, MCP pollen management and seed production. Maintains good working relationship with and provides support for Product Development (research) and other internal groups.
Jason Watson is the ArborGen Director of U.S. Sales. He has been a crucial member of the ArborGen Team for 12 years. Before becoming the Director of U.S. Sales four years ago, he was the Reforestation Advisor in South Carolina for eight years. Jason is a forester and a forest landowner who has been in the industry for over 25 years.
Kylie Burdette is the ArborGen U.S. Sales Manager. She has been a significant member of the ArborGen team for five years. Before becoming the U.S. Sales Manager, she was the Reforestation Advisor in South Carolina and Southern North Carolina. Kylie grew up around timber, and her family is very timber-oriented. She loves meeting with landowners, going out in the field when they’re planting, and checking on the seedlings.
Greg Hay is the Reforestation Advisor in Arkansas, North Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Greg has been a valuable member of the ArborGen Reforestation Team for four years. Greg has been working in forestry for over 45 years and finds that helping private landowners establish their plantations after harvest is the most gratifying part of his profession.
Paul Jeffreys is the ArborGen Reforestation Advisor in Alabama and Mississippi. Paul has been a valuable member of the ArborGen Reforestation Team for ten years. Paul’s career path was straightforward, with a PhD in forestry and being a timberland owner in Alabama. He wanted to work with landowners like himself and his family and help them manage their property in a way that would help them achieve their goals.
Austin Heine is the ArborGen Reforestation Advisor in North Carolina and Virginia. Austin has been a crucial member of the ArborGen Reforestation Team since January 2023. Before becoming the Reforestation Advisor for North Carolina and Virginia, he worked with the NC State tree improvement cooperative for eight years.
Our company is made up of innovative and passionate people; foresters, scientists, biologists, conservationists, tree farmers and researchers. We provide a professional yet fun work environment where your input and abilities will have a direct impact on every seedling we grow. Consider joining us!
Congratulations to Reforestation Advisor for South Carolina, Kylie Burdette, on her recent promotion to U.S. Sales Manager and to Reforestation Advisor, Paul Jeffreys, on his promotion to Manager of Special Projects and Sustainability.
Since the first crop planted in 1980, the nursery has produced 2 billion seedlings. Pictured left to right: Gene Bickerstaff, western regional nursery manager, BJ Hampton, business specialist, Chase Weatherly, production specialist, CEO Justin Birch, and Robert Nimmo, nursery manager.