Jon Kasitz

Procurement innovations expert

What got you interested in ecology (or your related field)?
I grew up in a rural part of Pennsylvania, spending a lot of time outdoors in natural environments. My love for nature and biology led me to pursue a biology degree with a focus on ecology, and I gained practical experience through internships with the Pennsylvania DEP, the US Forest Service, and the US Park Service.

What do you love/inspires you most about your area of expertise?
I find great inspiration in witnessing the positive impact of our restoration projects over time. Seeing wildlife and plant communities bounce back after restoration, and being part of a collaborative team effort to bring these projects to life, is incredibly rewarding.

What's the weirdest or funniest thing you've seen in the field?
While not exactly funny, it’s uncanny how often rare birds, like bald eagles and blue herons, appear during site visits, almost as if they know when key stakeholders are around!

What's one interesting fact about you we need to know?
I was named after the Jonathan apple variety because I was born on a small family apple orchard, where I spent my youth picking apples.

What would your wish be for our planet's future?
My wish is for us to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, addressing the environmental challenges and repairing the damage done.

What's one thing we didn't ask you that you want to share?
I think it's important to highlight the teamwork involved in our projects. Successful restoration requires collaboration among various teams, stakeholders, and regulators, and that shared effort is what truly drives our success.