B.S. Forest Products, 1982

Kenneth C. Kane completed his B.S. degree in Forest Products from the School of Forest Resources at Penn State in 1982. While studying as an undergraduate, he was hired by the School of Forest Resources to assist with construction, maintenance, and data collection related to a statewide network of acid precipitation monitoring sites. Shortly after graduation Ken accepted a position with Baillie Lumber Company as an assistant manager where he helped oversee the production and shipment of more than one million board feet of hardwood lumber each month, supervised 50 hourly employees on two shifts, and assisted in the construction of expanding production capacity.

Ken's next career move was one that continued his long and productive association with Keith Horn, Inc. Consulting Foresters, where he began as a fourteen year old summer employee. Ken returned as a forester in 1983. After several years, he became vice president of the firm. His responsibilities included all aspects of forest management for private landowners and daily management of the business, along with public relations, marketing, and landowner education. Ken worked with Keith Horn, Inc. for more than 30 years (1983-2013), and during this time he became known in his region, across the state, and in the nation as an honest, highly competent, problem-solving forester and leader in the profession. His integrity and diplomatic abilities also earned him an outstanding reputation. His ability to communicate clearly and get along with all types of people made him a perfect fit for representing the forestry community in business associations and governmental committees.

During these years Ken was Northern Region Director of the Association of Consulting Foresters of America (2008 - 2012), a member of the Pennsylvania Joint Legislative (Forestry) Task Force Advisory Committee (1998 - present), Chairman for the Allegheny Society of American Foresters (SAF) (2002 - 2004), Vice Chairman for the Allegheny SAF (1999 - 2001), Vice Chairman for the Penn Chapter Association of Consulting Foresters (1994 - 1997), member of the Penn State Agricultural Advisory Council, and a member of the Joint Plateau/Northern Hardwoods Chapters, Allegheny Society SAF, Deer Management Committee.

Ken was nominated by U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson, R-Pa. to serve as a member of the National Advisory Committee for Implementation of the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule in 2012 and he gave testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Resource Committee in 1996, 2006 and 2013 and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Pennsylvania Game Commission in 2006. Additionally, Ken's professional opinion was often sought by many private individuals and he served as expert witness in federal and state court hearings.

In 2013, Ken's career began a new chapter. He purchased Keith Horn, Inc., upon Keith Horn's retirement, and started a new firm called Generations Forestry, Inc. Ken now serves as president for the firm, which is comprised of six foresters and three staff members. While Generations Forestry is still engaged in all aspects of forest management for landowners, it is also committed to training and mentoring a new generation of professional foresters. This mentoring begins at the high school and college levels and continues into early careers. In many ways it represents an intersection of Ken's professional career and his many years of civic engagement.

Ken has been a strong advocate for public education. He served on the Kane Area School District board of directors from 1985 to 2014, including 11 years as president. He also was an active volunteer board member of the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Seneca Highland Intermediate Unit #9 from 2002-2014. The past two years he has taught forestry as an adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and also sits on this institution's advisory board. Ken has been a member and leader in the Kane Lions Club, St. Callistus Roman Catholic Church, and the Kane Elks Lodge.

Ken's service to the ESM Department (and previously to the School of Forest Resources) includes service on the Ibberson Chair Committee for almost seven years, and on the alumni panel of forestry employers for the recent 2015 SAF Accreditation process. Ken spearheaded the drive to sponsor an office in honor of Keith Horn in the new Forest Resources Building, and was the lead donor and organizer of a Trustee Scholarship in Keith Horn's name. Currently, Ken is establishing a new endowment titled the "Generations Forestry Inc. Program Support Fund" that will provide support to the Forest Ecosystem Management degree program for course and project materials, travel expenses, and equipment.

Ken and his wife Ann have five children: Tera, Michele, Emily, Kenny and Gina, along with one son-in-law, Eric Gibbs, married to Tera. Emily, Kenny and Gina are also Penn State Alumni. Ken and his family enjoy participating in Jeep Jamboree U.S.A. activities with their friends.

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Address

117 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
Directions

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Address

117 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
Directions