In 2024, the American Forest Foundation welcomed several new individuals and elevated the roles of others on our board of trustees. Weaving their unique perspectives and hard-earned wisdom into the AFF tapestry, these voices are set to help us tackle climate change and bolster the health of America's family forests. Stay tuned as each board member takes center stage in this special Q&A blog series that highlights their distinct experiences and expertise.

We're especially excited to announce that Alex Alvarez has been selected to serve as AFF’s board chair. Alvarez has been a vital member of our board for years and has already contributed to our mission in countless ways.

Alvarez is currently the SVP and chief supply chain officer for Beam Suntory, the third largest producer of distilled beverages in the world, where he is responsible for Beam Suntory’s global operations, supply chain, procurement and quality. Prior to joining Beam Suntory, he was the senior vice president, chief sustainability officer and director of ESG for Brown-Forman, another leading spirits company.

In 2021, Alvarez was recognized by Latino Leaders Magazine as a “Top Latino in Corporate America.” He holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business.

A Conversation with Alex Alvarez

AFF: First of all, a big hats-off to you on your appointment as chair of the American Forest Foundation board of trustees. Can you share what initially drew you to AFF and why you remain so dedicated to our organization?

AA: It started through my work leading the supply chain for Kentucky Bourbon and my interest in white oak sustainability, forest management practices to ensure the long-term viability of the species and how family-owned forestland needed to be engaged in the process. As you may know, there is no bourbon without white oak trees — so my passion for sustainability and the business need for my company drove my initial engagement with AFF.

AFF: We seek out and highly value diverse perspectives. Given your wealth of life experiences, professional skills and unique knowledge, what distinct perspectives would you say you contribute to our mission?

AA: I think I bring a number of relevant experiences and perspectives to AFF. First, I have been working in and leading supply chains my whole career — so I bring a strong operations perspective and an analytical/metrics driven approach to the team. Second, my passion for sustainability and my commitment to doing the right thing for our planet and ourselves allows me to energize the team and support our mission. Third, as a Latino who has lived in a number of different places across the world and experienced different cultures and ways of working, I can provide a different perspective to the team on how to approach our work.

AFF: As an individual with considerable expertise in both operations and sustainability, which facets of our mission do you think we need to emphasize and address with urgency in the upcoming years?

AA: I believe AFF’s commitment to linking family-owned forests with the challenges of climate change through our Family Forest Carbon Program is the most important and urgent work that we need to do. Family-owned forests are vital to conservation efforts, so continuing to partner with forest owners to unlock their potential and ensure forests continue to thrive is the most important work we can and should be doing.

AFF: Lastly, just for fun, could you share your all-time favorite forest activity with our readers?

AA: I would say going for a hike and enjoying the sounds and smells of the forest. I love going with my family in the spring when the trees are starting to bud and the birds are coming back. I truly appreciate soaking in the sounds and the bright green colors of the forest around me.

Thank you to all of our board members for being an integral part of our mission to deliver meaningful conservation impact through the empowerment of family forest owners. Your unique stories remind us how individual perspectives and efforts can unite to create meaningful impact for America's family forests, our communities and the planet. Check back for our next post in the series as we continue this important dialogue.