Brett McLeod

Brett McLeod serves as Dean of Faculty, Professor of Forestry, and International Paper Endowed Chair of Forestry Economics at Paul Smith’s College. He oversees 50 faculty and staff across disciplines including natural resources, culinary arts, business, hospitality, and interdisciplinary programs. His leadership integrates academic rigor with community-focused conservation initiatives.

McLeod’s research explores natural resource economics with emphasis on sustainable rural livelihoods. Key interests include agroforestry systems, ecotourism development, working landscape preservation, and economic resilience in forest-dependent communities. His fieldwork spans international projects (e.g., USAID-sponsored initiatives in the Dominican Republic) and regional collaborations in the Adirondacks.

He engages students in hands-on conservation projects, such as establishing community forests in Keene, NY, protecting Lake Champlain ecosystems with The Nature Conservancy, and advancing sustainable forestry partnerships with the New York DEC.

Awards & Honors:

• International Paper Endowed Chair of Forestry Economics (recognizing contributions to forestry economics and education)