FTPF's President

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation’s president, David Wolfe, is the author of the best-selling books Naked Chocolate, Eating For Beauty, and The Sunfood Diet Success System. He is considered by peers to be the world’s foremost authority on raw food nutrition.

David has degrees in Mechanical and Environmental Engineering and Political Science. He has studied at many institutions, including Oxford University, and concluded his formal education by receiving a Juris Doctor in Law from the University of San Diego. David is a professor at Dr. Gabriel Cousens’ Living-Food Nutrition Masters Program located in Patagonia, Arizona.

David has appeared on hundreds of broadcast programs and in print media around the world, including USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, CBS News, The Howard Stern Show, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360º, Breakfast Television (Canada), KABC Radio, Vogue, Jane, Salon, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and Vegetarian Times. David also recently starred on Sci-Fi Channel’s Mad, Mad House and currently, as a hobby, plays drums for the rock/pop band, The Healing Waters Band.

FTPF's Executive Director

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation is run by Cem Akin out of his Mill Valley, Calif. office. Cem has degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, including a Master's in Environmental Management. His distinguished career in the nonprofit sector spans over a decade and has resulted in precedent-setting policy changes, both domestically and internationally. Favorite activities include surfing, watching pro football, and last, but certainly not least, planting trees!

FTPF's Staff Arborist

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's arborist, Rico Montenegro, has worked with fruit trees for nearly four decades and is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist. Rico has consulted on projects for federal, state, and local governments, providing a wide range of horticultural training and advice. He has served as an advisor for a number of highly regarded gardening publications, including Sunset Magazine. Rico has taught fruit tree science at the college level and continues to teach classes in various public settings on fruit tree selection, training, and sustainable management practices. Rico has developed successful fruit tree restoration programs by training volunteers to assist with the rehabilitation of several 100-year old orchards in Northern California. He is licensed to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques using cultural, biological and other organic methods. Rico has managed several botanical gardens and planted fruit trees in a variety of climates (including South America and Asia). Rico’s extensive knowledge of pomology and fruit tree science, combined with his teaching skills at all levels, ensures that every FTPF project achieves the maximum benefit for the environment and community.

FTPF's Educator

Katherine Drotos is a certified teacher (kindergarten through 8th grade), and a certified elementary professional licensed in Michigan. Ms. Drotos is well-regarded by her students and colleagues for her innovation and effective teaching skills. She has a diverse professional experience at public schools spanning more than a decade, and her recent classes include health, wellness, meditation, dance, and third grade at the Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit, an institution known for its progressive curriculum. Ms. Drotos has custom designed a program for "Fruit Tree 101," incorporating interesting nutritional facts about fruit and fruit trees, with hands-on activities to empower the next generation of environmental activists.