26
THE DAVEY BULLETIN
|
March/April 2026
SERVING THE COMMUNITY STAYS TOP OF MIND FOR WISE
When Karen Wise retired in late 2024, she said she
wanted to do three things: Volunteer more, do more
primitive camping and get better at golf.
Wise has been a blood donor since she was 16, and she
continues to donate her plasma every month. Now, she has
the time to give back to her local American Red Cross in an
even greater way.
"I asked the American Red Cross how I could serve them
more, and they need volunteers to drive blood products from
their laboratory in Cleveland to hospitals in Northeast Ohio
who need blood," Wise said. "I do this three times a month,
and it has been an extremely rewarding experience."
In early 2025, Wise also became a commissioner for the
Portage Park District in Northeast Ohio.
"I like it a lot — it engages my mind in things like contracts
and land acquisition, and it allows me to explore newly
acquired parkland not yet open to the public," Wise said.
"The position has certainly been a pleasant surprise and a
great way to lend my expertise locally." A lifelong resident
of Portage County, Ohio, she also serves on the board of
trustees for the Portage Area Regional Transportation
Authority (PARTA) and is on the city of Ravenna's Shade
Tree Commission.
Wise retired in September 2024, following 27 years of
service. She joined Davey Resource Group (DRG) as a
wetland scientist in 1997. In 2003, she was promoted to
department manager, overseeing DRG Ecological Consulting
services. After serving in various roles, Wise was promoted
to division manager, Natural Resource Consulting, in 2016.
In 2018, she was promoted to vice president, Environmental
Consulting services, DRG, and stayed there until retirement.
Wise has enjoyed international travel with her wife Amy
and primitive camping with her dog Paul. She recently
hiked with her siblings around the Badlands, Devils Tower,
Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches and Grand Canyon
National Parks, noting that it was a very special experience.
She hopes that she'll find some time this coming year to
work on her golf game.
"I'm very grateful for the retirement lifestyle my career at
Davey has afforded me and try to make the most of each
day," Wise said. "Volunteerism, travel, and time with my
family is really important and very rewarding. I'll get around
to golf soon."
ADVICE FROM KAREN WISE:
1. Do your best in everything you do.
2. Learn from those around you.
3. Buy stock to invest in yourself during your time
at Davey.
Karen Wise and her dog, Paul, visit
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State
Park in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Karen and her wife, Amy, snap a
picture during their trip to Verona,
Veneto, Italy.
Karen volunteers for her local American Red Cross
three times a month, driving blood products from
their lab in Cleveland to nearby hospitals.
Have stories to share about
retirement or your life at Davey?
To be featured, or to nominate a
fellow retiree, call 800-447-1667 ext.
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