Features Features Women in Forestry
Spotlight on excellence: Katherine Gunion

In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Katherine Gunion, team lead of biometrics at Forsite Consultants in Salmon Arm, B.C.

Kat prepared well for the technology advancements and big data management requirements we see now in the forest industry when she ambitiously blended experience with tree planting/fire suppression with a master of sustainable forest management (UBC) and a MSc in computer science (University of Victoria).

The RPF has inspired colleagues to incorporate cutting edge analytical techniques and models to support complex resource management problems, earning a reputation as a key resource on any project and a seat at the company’s leadership table at only 38 years old. Kat is involved in recruiting top talent across the country to realize her vision of computer science, big data, analytics. She also volunteers with the Salmon Arm Search and Rescue Unit and is continually improving her technical and leadership skills to provide support where needed.

“Kat is the go-to person at Forsite to brainstorm and tackle technical challenges that our forest sector clients from across the country bring to us. Somehow, she manages to stay current with the fast-paced advancements in the forestry field and help other,” explains her manager Cam Brown.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Sanjna Hothi.