Jason Kissel

At the age of five, Jason declared that his life would be spent caring for God’s trees. He’s done just that with his life – taking care of God’s trees and creation as an arborist, urban forester, natural resources administrator, executive director of a land trust, and now in his leadership role at Merry Lea.

Along the way, God added caring for His people to his calling, so he earned a degree in ministry and serves as an ordained pastor. Jason is most motivated while combining both callings – utilizing nature to introduce, or deepen, one’s relationship with God.

Jason and his wife have two adult children. Jason enjoys creating stacks of firewood, tackling the occasional long bicycle ride or run, fishing, reading, and gardening.