LEE STEIGERWALDT

NEGAUNEE — Steigerwaldt Land Services Inc. has announced the promotion of Lee Steigerwaldt to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

This promotion reflects a transition of leadership from father to daughter and to a third-generation, family-owned company. Ed Steigerwaldt Jr., who has led the company for 38 years, will remain involved as chairman and continue to provide expert witness and appraisal services.

Lee is a third-generation consulting forester with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Forest Management, Urban Forestry, and Philosophy. The forestry and real estate consulting firm is excited for this talented, certified general appraiser and ISA certified arborist to take the lead – pushing forward the company’s mission of providing exceptional service.

A family business since its inception in 1957, Steigerwaldt has continually offered clients the highest quality work with unmatched customer service. Lee’s ascension to CEO comes after years of hard work, continuing education, and a steadfast dedication to providing the best service possible. Over her 20-year tenure, she has become an integral part of the company and is uniquely positioned to lead the organization into the future.

With Lee’s promotion, Steigerwaldt is now a woman-owned and led company. The Steigerwaldt team celebrates not only what this means for the company, but the industry as a whole. As the first woman to serve on the Executive Committee Board of Directors for the Association of Consulting Foresters, Lee is no stranger to pushing the industry norms of diversity and inclusion.

Steigerwaldt also announced the promotion of Josh Burling as Chief Operations Officer, Melissa Lane as Director of Office Administration and Accounting Manager, and Ashley Beatty as Communication and Development Director.

Rounding out the executive team are the following additional promotions to our Vice Presidents’ Core team, all of whom truly reflect the mission, vision, values, and goals of Steigerwaldt. Joining Tom Hittle, Senior Vice President – Project Coordination/Client Services, in the Vice President Core are:

Forrest Gibeault – Vice President of Analytics, Valuation, and Technology Solutions

Haakon Hagemeister – Vice President of Energy, Infrastructure, and Real Estate

Joseph Mattke – Vice President of Land and Resource Management

This team of talented professionals have clearly demonstrated expertise in business development, client relationships, and department operations. They will help keep Steigerwaldt on the cutting edge of sustainable practices and emerging technologies, offering the greatest benefit to our clients, landowners, and the natural environment.

Steigerwaldt wouldn’t exist without the dedicated and talented individuals that make up its budding staff. In addition to the executive team promotions, Steigerwaldt is celebrating the following staff promotions:

Meagan Backhaus – Assistant Project Forester

Nick Eiden – Assistant Project Forester

Vince Kambitsis – Assistant Project Forester

Ben Williams – Environmental Director.