Good Earth Power AZ and its operating entity, NewLife Forest Products, an Arizona sustainable forest products company, have created a new leadership team to expand its sustainable forestry management and lumber manufacturing operations. GEPAZ also announced its partnership with Lateral Investment Management, which led an investment round of $50 million.

Ted Dergousoff has been appointed as chief executive officer. His responsibilities will include setting the strategy and leading the transformational development of NewLife’s manufacturing operations. George Stedeford has been appointed as the chief operating officer.

“The mission of GEPAZ is to restore the health of the forest and protect Arizona from catastrophic wildfires,” said Dergousoff. “At NewLife, we are not only building a great business, but helping to rebuild Arizona’s forestry ecosystem. I look forward to building out our team by hiring 200 people over the next 12 months to accomplish our mission.”