ucfsociety.org 13
years. "Eventually I felt an urge to work outdoors and
pursued a degree in landscape architecture," Nagy says.
Around that time, she applied for a position at
Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF) and was hired as
a planting manager, coordinating the planting of
1,000 street trees with volunteers, primarily in dis-
advantaged neighborhoods in San Francisco. "It
was the perfect fit for me—engaging communi-
ties and volunteers, working together to plant trees
along their neighborhood streets," she says.
Nagy advanced in positions with FUF, including
Program Director, to eventually serve as Vice
President of Operations. In 2022, Nagy moved on
to pursue work as a consultant, supporting and
enhancing program and project management and
providing landscape architecture services.
In 2017, Nagy had attended MFI and was inspired
in 2021 to join the MFI teaching team. In 2022, she
coordinated the Institute, and in 2023, she admin-
istered the MFI Focus Year, overseeing the review
and revision of the Institute's goals, objectives, cur-
riculum, and materials. To her work with MFI and
now with UCFS in programming and education,
Nagy brings her extensive project, program, and
systems development and management skills.
"In all of my jobs I've had to create systems to work
efficiently, meet deadlines, and communicate deliver-
ables to employers, clients, and customers," she says.
"I'm proud of the work I did contributing significantly
to San Francisco's urban forestry initiatives, super-
vising urban forestry teams, developing innovative
programs, and fostering collaborative relationships
with key stakeholders, government officials, non-
profit organizations, and neighborhood groups. I'm
looking forward to serving UCFS, the Board, and UCFS
members and uplifting the confidence, competence,
and camaraderie among urban and community forestry
professionals so that we can meet the demands of our
evolving field and the challenges we are faced with."
In her free time, Nagy says she is happiest "exploring
both near and far, with a backpack, map, and a
ridiculous hat. I can't get through the day without
reading a good book, biking, or roller skating while
listening to community-supported radio."
UCFS is thrilled to welcome Karla Nagy, our new
Program and Education Manager, to the team!
Karla Nagy served many roles with Friends of the Urban Forest before
coming to UCFS as its new Program and Education Manager.
