McMaster began his new role on February 24, providing overall management of MPRB’s forestry program. In his new role, McMaster will oversee all aspects of urban forest management in Minneapolis parks, public boulevards, and city-owned properties. His leadership will guide the planting, maintenance, and preservation of the city’s urban canopy, ensuring its resilience in the face of climate change, invasive species, and urban development. He will also focus on community engagement, workforce development, and expanding partnerships to enhance the city’s green infrastructure.
McMaster is a distinguished leader in urban forestry and park management, recognized for his commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative program development. As a dedicated advocate for urban tree conservation, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the City of Dallas, Texas’ forestry initiatives, earning multiple prestigious awards, including the Dallas Park and Recreation Environmental and Conservation Award (2022) and the International Society of Arboriculture Texas Chapter Gold Leaf Award for Outstanding Landscape Project (2023). His collaborative efforts led to the creation and implementation of transformative programs such as the Urban Forest Master Plan, the City of Dallas Public Tree Inventory and Assessment, the Treecycling Program, and the Dallas Historic Tree Program, which introduced the first eight historic tree sites in the city. Under his leadership, the Branching Out Program has added over 10,000 trees to Dallas parks, significantly enhancing the urban canopy. In addition to his role as City Forester at the City of Dallas, McMaster also was a small business owner and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from East Texas A&M University.