We’re growing up and branching out, and to keep pace we’ve expanded our team

September 15, 2021

We’ve had a busy year at PlanIT Geo™, complete with major software updates, grant awards, and a newly appointed board of advisors. As we chase down our ambitious goals we are expecting many more bustling years to come. Growth is a choice, and we have been choosing it on all fronts this year.

To support our expansion we have made several strategic hires the last couple of years. These new additions are bolstering our software, services, sales, administration, marketing, and executive teams. We are excited to introduce you to our talented new additions, who have joined our mission to “Map the World’s Urban Forests for a Greener Future”.

“Our BIG goal is to be the leading tree mapping and management software technology provider on all continents by 2023.”

-Ian Hanou, 2021 Letter from The Desk of the CEO

Rachel Ormseth

Urban Forestry Consultant 

Rachel was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She attended South Dakota State University for Horticulture and brings valuable Urban Forestry Experience from working for the State of South Dakota’s Conservation and Forestry Division. Rachel enjoys gardening, mastering family recipes, spending time with her dog Olive, and enjoying time with family and friends.

Bob Goodman

Consulting CEO

After graduating from West Point and serving five years as an Army officer, Bob was fortunate to have started his tech. career with a Fortune 500 company (Texas Instruments), a $500 Million company (Wyse Technology), two Boulder based Venture Capital firms and eight startups/turnarounds as CEO. Bob brings all of his experience and large network to help other entrepreneurs build their strategy and reach their goals.

Alexandria Hancock 

Urban Forestry Consultant

Alex is an ISA Certified Arborist with a Bachelor of Urban Planning and a Master of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation. She lives in St. Petersburg, FL where she facilitated the city’s first tree canopy analysis, implemented city-wide initiatives for tree inventorying and plantings, and participates in the local citizen Urban Forestry Committee. Her experience setting city-wide goals, policies, and climate action plans provides valuable insight for sustainable and resilient urban forests. In her free time, Alex enjoys gardening, live music, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Gary Lerch

CFO

Gary is the CFO of PlanIT Geo, having joined in 2019, and has responsibility for all financial aspects of the company on a global basis. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA double major in business and history, and obtained his MBA in finance and international business from the University of Connecticut. He was hired by General Electric in 1998, where he spent eighteen years working at several treasury positions of increasing responsibility at GE located in Stamford, Connecticut and Waukesha, Wisconsin. He then transitioned to Arrow Electronics in 2016, where he was assistant treasurer, with responsibility for capital markets, risk management, and treasury operations for the $30 billion electronics distributor.

Matt Swanson

Account Executive

Matt is an ISA Certified Arborist with extensive experience in the private tree care industry. He began his career in the trees in high school, working as a groundman for a family friend. He has worked up and down the West Coast, from small companies specializing in boutique tree care to large organizations managing thousands of trees for HOAs and commercial clients. Learning is his passion, and he uses his varied experience to inform his discussions with PlanITGeo clients, helping find unique solutions to persistent challenges in the industry. He lives in San Diego and in his free time he enjoys gardening, camping, surfing, and kayaking.

Emily Solis

Business and Office Administrator

After growing up in a sustainable household, Emily fell in love with the art of science and graduated college with an applied science degree. She now has a love for an eco-friendly environment which led her to accept a job at PlanIT Geo. Emily has ten years of administrative experience and is thrilled about applying her knowledge to enhance a company that strives to make a difference with green assets. Emily likes to spend her free time in nature and/or exploring new places.

Alec Sabatini

Content Writer and Editor

Alec has a B.S. in Environmental Science and a Masters of the Environment in Sustainability Planning. With past professional experience in the environmental industry and digital marketing, he specializes in translating the technical expertise at PlanIT Geo into engaging and educational content. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, and enjoys trail running, disc golf, and reading science fiction.

Zach Telford

Tree Inventory Specialist

Zach graduated Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. While studying at SIU, Zach completed an inventory of over 5,000 trees on campus using TreePlotter. Zach also gained much valuable experience managing tree data while working for the US Forest Service on the Fernow Experimental Forest as a research technician. When he’s not working, Zach enjoys playing bass, fishing, gardening, and cooking.