Kevin Eckert, of Kailua, Hawaii 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.
As President and Managing Director of Arbor Global USA, Eckert provides arboricultural consulting, training, tree management, and expert witness services to government, corporate, and private clients throughout the United States, Hong Kong, and the Asia Pacific Rim.
“Kevin Eckert has a passion for the arboriculture profession and for sharing his knowledge and experience with students and colleagues.” says de Gourét Litchfield, ISA board president. “He strives to enhance ability and understanding for others in the industry.”
Eckert, who grew up in Chestertown, Maryland, implemented a professional training program at Hawaiian Electric Company (HECo) that emphasized industry standards and certification to improve utility arborist performance. “There were some wonderful industry leaders who were making progress but had not been able to get the desired outcome,” he explains. “The HECo program was successful and significantly improved performance, which caught the attention of government and tree management stakeholders who ended up modeling the HECo program.”
“My life’s goal is to leave a legacy of happy and healthy trees that benefit the natural and human environment that live on well beyond my years,” Eckert shared. Regarding the many training programs he leads, Eckert said that he wants to enhance the environment through trees and future generations. “I enjoy sharing my passion, experience, and knowledge with others to help them reach their goals, correctly care for trees to benefit the environment and our communities, and find as much joy in this profession as I do.”
Eckert was recognized at the opening general session of ISA’s 92nd Annual International Conference last month in Fort Worth, Texas. 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.
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