A banker by profession, Jack retired from PNC Bank in 2013, after 43 years in commercial lending. He began buying woodlands 1998, and added more in 2017, to accumulate 78 acres in Lewis County. In 2018 they did a harvest and have worked with both KDF and a KACF consulting forester to develop and implement their Forest Stewardship Plans. The Rentz’s son-in-law and grandson are interested in carrying on the sustainable management practices forward for the next generation. Jack’s professional management insights have been a guiding force for the board.
Mr. Rentz came on the KWOA board in 2006. He was elected Assistant Treasurer in 2010, then Vice President in 2012, and as President 2013- 2015. He continued to serve on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President, until 2018 when he was elected Secretary. As Secretary, he has served as Membership Chair, reaching out to welcome members and remind us of time to renew. Over his years on the board Jack has been actively involved in many actions including active support of the Forest Health Task Force (which KWOA played a key role in starting), the successful campaign to save the KDF Morgan County Tree Nursery, legislative initiatives relating to forest health, management, taxation, and more recently with the carbon credit research committee. Jack has had direct contact with the various programs and provides the updates that you can find our website regarding when a given program will be available in KY and how each program proposes to operate. Jack also takes the initiative to ask important questions regarding insurance coverage; he is especially interested in coverage for landowners hiring independent contract labor.
Jack leads by example; he is usually one of the first to arrive at educational events anywhere across Kentucky in support of KWOA and to recruit Woodland Owner members. Early on, he provided the board with guidance for “conference call meetings”, which paved the way for our present ZOOM board meetings and plans currently in development for regional Zoom meetings. Working with Jack on the Executive Committee is a pleasure, as I know he will review proposals carefully and make considered constructive suggestions. We are honored to acknowledge his contributions and present this leadership award to Jack Rentz.
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