Nicki Price, a University of Georgia Master of Forest Resources (MFR) in Forest Business graduate, has built a career at the intersection of forestry, finance, and long-term land stewardship. She earned her undergraduate degree in Wildlife before completing her MFR at UGA, where she developed a strong interest in timberland investment. Price initially planned to pursue a career on the procurement side of forestry and valued the “boots-on-the-ground” approach that comes with field-based work. However, during her time in the MFR in Forest Business program, she faced an early career decision between procurement and investment forestry. Ultimately, she chose the investment path for its broader exposure to forest ownership, long-term planning, and financial strategy. Reflecting on this shift, Price noted that the Terry College of Business coursework and experiences through the Langdale Center for Forest Business were instrumental, saying they “helped bridge the gap between forestry and finance in a way that felt very applicable to real-world decision-making.” Today, she serves as the U.S. Country Portfolio Manager for Ingka Investments, where she manages timberland assets and supports a sustainability-driven approach to forest ownership.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated field has shaped Price’s perspective on diversity and leadership within forestry. She acknowledges that adversity is often part of the experience for women in the profession but believes those challenges can foster confidence and resilience over time. Rather than allowing differences to define her career, Price emphasizes the importance of showing up with confidence and recognizing the value that diverse perspectives bring to decision-making. “Don’t let the differences you have as a woman affect your career,” she explained, emphasizing that diversity should be viewed as an asset rather than a limitation. Through her own experiences, Price has come to see adversity as an opportunity for growth, reinforcing her belief that diversity adds lasting value to the forestry profession and strengthens outcomes across the industry.
Drawing from her journey, Price encourages future MFR students to take full advantage of the opportunities available through Warnell. She credits the program’s hands-on learning environment and strong alumni network with helping her better understand career pathways and enter the workforce with confidence. Her advice to students considering the MFR is to “actively engage in the program and make the most of its resources.” For those nearing graduation, she stresses the importance of building professional relationships early, encouraging students to “find your seat at the table” and lean on Warnell connections to develop a network that will support long-term career growth.
