US Forest Service Executive and Leadership Team

Lisa Freedman, the Chief of Staff at US Forest Service, directs administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the agency. Freedman manages internal communications and aligns departmental goals with federal mandates to ensure operational efficiency. By overseeing cross-functional teams, the Chief of Staff facilitates the implementation of complex land management policies. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with agency directors to address environmental challenges and resource utilization. Lisa Freedman maintains oversight of organizational workflows, ensuring that scientific research and forestry objectives receive necessary support. Through rigorous management of internal processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes the delivery of services related to watershed protection and wildlife habitat conservation. The Chief of Staff also monitors the execution of fire management programs, ensuring that regional operations remain consistent with national standards. By streamlining decision-making, Freedman strengthens the agency's capacity to address climate adaptation and public health requirements across the nation.

Ericka Thomas, the Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights at US Forest Service, directs equity initiatives and ensures compliance with federal non-discrimination mandates. Thomas oversees the integration of inclusive practices within the agency's workforce and public service delivery. The Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights monitors internal policies to guarantee that all stakeholders receive fair access to recreational opportunities and resource utilization programs. By fostering an environment of accountability, the Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights supports the agency's commitment to diverse community partnerships. Ericka Thomas manages the resolution of complex grievances and promotes transparency in administrative actions. This leadership role requires constant engagement with human resources and legal departments to uphold organizational integrity. Through the implementation of robust civil rights frameworks, Thomas ensures that the agency's mission remains accessible to the public. The Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights drives cultural change, ensuring that equity remains central to all land management and conservation efforts.

Melissa Jenkins, the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff at US Forest Service, supports executive leadership in managing the agency's vast natural resource portfolio. Jenkins coordinates the execution of high-level directives related to timber management and recreational access. The Acting Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the Office of the Chief and various regional directors to ensure alignment on environmental objectives. By monitoring project timelines and resource allocation, the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff maintains operational momentum across diverse landscapes. Melissa Jenkins assists in the development of strategies for climate adaptation and watershed protection, ensuring that scientific research informs policy implementation. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder interests and balancing economic activity with ecological integrity. Through the oversight of administrative functions, the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff enables the agency to address contemporary environmental challenges effectively. Jenkins provides critical support to the executive team, ensuring that all operational goals remain consistent with the agency's long-term mission.

Douglas Nash, the Chief Information Officer at US Forest Service, architects the digital infrastructure supporting federal land management and scientific research. Nash directs the deployment of advanced data systems that track forest health, watershed metrics, and timber management activities. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technical resources remain available for specialists in ecology and hydrology to conduct evidence-based decision-making. By modernizing IT frameworks, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless collaboration between regional offices and national headquarters. Douglas Nash oversees cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive environmental data and public records. This leadership role involves integrating geospatial technology into daily operations to improve trail maintenance and fire management response times. Through the strategic application of information technology, Nash drives the digital transformation of the agency. The Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission by providing the analytical tools necessary for sustainable resource management and long-term ecological monitoring across all operational territories.