Rick is a forest investment and product development specialist. With more than 28 years of experience in the forest investment business, among other things, he is recognized for his pioneering efforts to introduce the asset class to institutional investors. In 1984, he conceptualized and developed John Hancock's forestland investment business and during his years as managing director of the Hancock Timber Resource Group, the firm grew to become a market leader. Smith’s background includes extensive experience in portfolio management; acquisition sourcing and analysis; forestry operations; economic research; product development; marketing; client relations; and, strategic planning. Through the years, Rick has served many forestry and environmental organizations and he is currently an active member of the World Forestry Center board. He is a native of Maine and a graduate of the University of Maine's college of forestry and natural resources.