Alexey is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer at BMO Commercial Bank based in San Francisco. In this role, he oversees business intelligence, analytics, profitability management and AI implementation activities supporting business development and efficiency of Commercial Banking operations. He has 20+ years of experience in the financial sector both in the United States and Europe. Alexey grew up in Eastern Europe, surrounded by vast forests. He started his tree planting activities at the age of six, helping his parents and grandparents with developing fruit gardens, as well as participating in urban tree planting events with his family. Alexey is an avid traveler, visiting 40+ countries around the world. He loves backpacking and camping in the California wilderness, particularly in the Lake Tahoe and Yosemite Valley areas.

Lara is the Associate Vice President of People Strategy for the YMCA of San Francisco, focusing on culture, employee experience, organizational decision making, and internal communications. Prior to her current role, Hitchcock served as the Executive Director for two YMCAs in the GGNRA, working with partners across government, non-profit, foundation, and corporate functions to provide community programs in healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. Hitchcock holds a BS from Boston College and loves hiking in her neighborhood and in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with her husband and teen sons.

Ray joined FUF’s Board in 2020 after having been a Volunteer Planting Leader since 2018. The longtime San Francisco resident believes in the power of trees to improve lives, fight climate change, and make everyone smile. He is committed to restoring and establishing a healthy, thriving tree canopy, especially in underserved neighborhoods.

Alison is an Energy and Environment partner at Nixon Peabody, helping clients find sustainable solutions to environmental problems, looking for ways to mitigate risk while reducing pollution. She’s the co-chair of Nixon Peabody’s Legally Green Initiative, overseeing a $2M biennial pro bono commitment. Previously she worked as an aquatic toxicologist, utilizing her BS in Aquatic Biology from UC Santa Barbara. She received her JD from the University of Oregon, graduating first in her class. An avid scuba diver since age 15, Alison has been on 300+ dives around the world. Alison joins the Board to help improve San Francisco’s urban environment, increasing tree equity and pushing back against the devastating impacts of climate change. 

Lindy brings to the board more than fifteen years’ experience as a brand strategist and creative director, focused on helping mission-driven companies and nonprofits build powerful brands and influence positive change. A long-time San Franciscan and environmental justice advocate, Lindy believes deeply in the importance of urban green space and is dedicated to forwarding the role it plays in making our city healthier, happier, and more beautiful. She also loves biking, reading, disc golf, and growing things.

Sheila joined the board in 2024 after completing the  Friends of the Urban Forest's Community Forester program. Through the program she learned the impact of the tree canopy on the community's quality of life. Her background spans research, marketing, and human resources, and she's currently a small business owner. Sheila is passionate about women's leadership in both the private and public sectors. A 25 year San Francisco resident, Sheila holds a BA from Vanderbilt University in Psychology and now resides in Noe Valley with her husband.

Jim grew up in New Hampshire, with woods providing infinite opportunities for play and a natural classroom. He nurtured his life-long love of plants with high school summer jobs at the local garden center. Jim studied botany and evolutionary biology in college; upon graduation, the American Botanical Society named him Young Botanist of the Year. He moved to San Francisco in 1989, putting down roots and raising his daughter here. Jim spent the last 20 years of his law career at the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office. He retired in 2023 and is excited to support Friends of the Urban Forest. Jim received his BA and MS in Biology from Yale, and his JD from New York University.

Nora is an urban planner and tree enthusiast. Previously, she served the City of Los Angeles' Mayor's Office as its Deputy Chief Design Officer. She worked with city departments to develop solutions, elevate, and promote holistic urban design policies and initiatives including the urban tree canopy, street design, and people-oriented public amenities in the public right of way.

Nora is a native San Franciscan and is thrilled to work with the City and County of San Francisco's Airport on the latest and greatest transportation programs and policies. She loves spin classes and yoga, learning about botany, cooking, reading, and animation / illustration.

Stephanie started volunteering with Friends of the Urban Forest in 2017 and joined the Board in 2024. She volunteers often as a Planting Leader. Stephanie’s life centers on urban sustainability, equity, and humanism. Her master’s thesis considered the health outcomes of investments in municipal infrastructure such as bike lanes, street trees, transit, and affordable housing. She moved to California to work for the City of San Jose, where she received a Pride of San Jose award for her work on the launch of a department of clean energy. Stephanie currently works for the City Auditor of Oakland, where she evaluates and recommends improvements to the effectiveness and equity of City programs.