Paul Johnson with the Texas A&M Forest Service, who used to manage the urban forestry program for San Antonio, was recognized as a True Professional of Arboriculture by the International Society of Arboriculture. Congrats Paul!
Urban and Community Forester named an ISA “True Professional of Arboriculture™”
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Paul Johnson, of Austin, Texas has been named a “True Professional of Arboriculture™” by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The True Professional recognition program honors arborists and tree care professionals for their positive impact on the industry in and around their communities.
Click here for a video on Paul Johnson.
As an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® and the Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service, Johnson uses his background as a radio talk show host, and newspaper columnist to present arboriculture content in a fun and engaging way. He has a passion for teaching others how to be an effective presenter and encourages his employees to speak to local groups in their neighborhoods.
“I have had the pleasure to serve with Paul Johnson on the ISA Board of Directors, and can attest to his skills as gifted speaker,” says de Gourét Litchfield, ISA board president. “He has lectured at countless workshops and conferences, and has inspired and encouraged many ISA members, myself included. He is a true leader of the urban and community forest world on all levels.”
Johnson is the creator and host of the “Trees are Key” podcast, http://treesarekey.com, for the Texas A&M Forest Service focusing on a tree species of the week theme and tree-related events. The series now has more than 10,000 listeners per year from at least 20 different countries.
“I started out with topics related to why trees are key such as hiring a tree care professional, how to grow healthier trees, and proper tree planting,” he says. “The podcast is all about helping people get the best information, using current research, best practices and industry standards, but sharing the information in a different manner.”
Johnson thinks passion is a necessary characteristic of a True Professional. “There are people who say they don’t have time to do this or that, but ultimately we all find time to do the things that we think are important,” Johnson says. “We need more people who are going all out to do everything they can to make a difference because trees and the environment are key to our future.”
Johnson was recognized at the opening general session of ISA’s 92nd Annual International Conference last month in Fort Worth, Texas, US. He is one of eight individuals selected as a 2016 True Professional. ISA launched the “True Professionals of Arboriculture™” recognition program in 2009 to increase public understanding of arboriculture and the professional skills of today’s arborists. Recipients are from various backgrounds in the profession and hold industry credentials including certifications from ISA.
Individuals are selected by the ISA Awards Committee, a diverse group of experts in arboriculture including university professors, retired arborists, tree care company owners, trainers, and forestry managers. After selection, award recipients are approved by ISA’s Board of Directors.
Profiles and case studies of the “True Professionals” will be featured on the ISA website at www.isa-arbor.com and highlighted in future ISA publications such as Arborist News.
ABOUT ISA
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., U.S., is a nonprofit organization of more than 30,000 members and credential holders worldwide, supporting tree care research and education. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org, which fulfills the association’s mission to help educate the public about the importance and value of proper tree care. Also, as part of ISA’s dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborists, visit www.isa-arbor.com.
