FSC International welcomes Sarah Kutulakos as the first Regional Director of North America

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) International is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Kutulakos as FSC’s first Regional Director of North America, effective 1 January 2025. This strategic appointment marks a key moment in FSC’s ongoing expansion and reinforces its mission to promote responsible forest management across the United States and Canada. 

Kutulakos, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in multinational business operations and strategic growth, will lead FSC’s efforts to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced forest products in North America. Her leadership will strengthen FSC’s presence on the ground and foster deeper connections within North America and between the regions.  

"This is an exciting and pivotal moment for FSC in North America," said Lieske van Santen, FSC International Global Network Director. "With the appointment of Sarah Kutulakos as our Regional Director, we are establishing a dedicated presence to better support our members and partner organizations in the U.S. and Canada who have worked hard to safeguard forests and promote sustainable forestry. I am confident Sarah’s leadership will significantly strengthen our global mission. Her proven track record in growing membership organizations and her deep leadership experience makes her perfect for this important role." 

A new leadership era to drive forest stewardship in North America 

Under Kutulakos’s leadership, FSC North America will amplify FSC’s efforts in sustainable forest management, honoring and supporting the forest stewards who have cared for North America’s forests for centuries – Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the Native Americans in the US. In addition, FSC North America is committed to driving sustainability in the construction industry, building on momentum demonstrated by landmark projects such as award winning Limberlost Place at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada, Google’s new mass timber office in Sunnyvale, California and Portland International Airport’s main terminal. Moreover, Sarah will advance efforts to improve workplace culture in forestry, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the sector in North America.  

“I am honored to join FSC at such a transformative time,” said Sarah Kutulakos. “The opportunity to lead and support the growth of FSC in North America is a privilege, and I look forward to working closely with our Network Partners and members to expand FSC’s impact on responsible forest management in this region.” 

Sarah’s appointment coincides with significant leadership changes across FSC in North America. Earlier this year, Sarah Billig was appointed President of FSC US, and Monika Patel will assume the role of President of FSC Canada starting in January 2025. Together, this new leadership team marks a dynamic and transformative period for FSC in the region, ready to seize significant opportunities to advance forest stewardship. 

“The diverse and experienced leadership team we are building, in collaboration with the Boards of FSC US and FSC Canada, will be critical to our future success,” said Sarah Billig. “Canada already boasts over 113 million acres (46 million hectares) of FSC-certified forests—the largest area globally—and, together with the U.S., offers tremendous potential for responsible forest management”, added Monika Patel. “This region, home to some of the world’s strongest economies, is key to achieving our mission of sustaining healthy and resilient forests in North America and around the world.”