Meet the President

Dr. Jim Williamson has spent more than 50 years promoting the value of trees. In 2003, Jim and his wife, Barbara, began selecting people to help establish a tree foundation. In 2004, a group of five individuals completed the documents to form Tree Partners Foundation as a non- profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Jim then connected with the Warden of the Federal Prison and secured a commitment from the prison to use 26 acres of prison land to develop a Foundation nursery.

As a small child, Jim helped his grandfather care for a small family arboretum. The warden also had fond memories of helping his grandfather landscape Princeton University and shares Jim's love of trees. Jim has also spent over forty two years developing his own private park on 16 acres. He enjoys the nature experiences with his own family and others with an appreciation of nature.

In the past, Jim helped develop horticulture programs for the developmentally challenged children. He has always had his focus on the value of trees and nature. These programs are still practiced in the Merced County Office of Education. Many of the adult programs exist today as a result of his earlier vision. In the past, he has held positions as an administrator and a college lecturer. Dr. Williamson's educational background is in special education and in Marriage and Family Counseling. He completed his doctoral work in counseling psychology and has practiced as a Marriage, Family Therapist for more than 25 years. These experiences give him the unique ability to help people develop powerful partnerships.

Dr. Jim Williamson, along with his wife of more than 50 years, are co-owners of a private practice as therapists. They both have long term farming talents and business acumen. With his life time of plating and gifting trees to schools, cities and private individuals, Dr. Williamson is immensely qualified to lead the Tree Partners Foundation.