U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture has 4 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, information technology, civil rights compliance, and executive support.

Committed to sustainable land management, U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture advances scientific research and conservation to protect national natural resources for future generations.

Leadership Roles at U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture

  • Chief of Staff - Lisa Freedman
  • Chief Information Officer - Douglas Nash
  • Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights - Ericka Thomas
  • Acting Deputy Chief of Staff - Melissa Jenkins
  • Lisa Freedman - Chief of Staff

    Lisa Freedman, the Chief of Staff at U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture, directs high-level administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the agency. Overseeing internal communications and executive workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between departmental goals and federal mandates. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational structures to support the agency mission of sustainable resource management. By optimizing operational efficiency, Lisa Freedman directly impacts the ability of the organization to address environmental challenges and watershed protection. The Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between diverse agency divisions, ensuring that scientific research and land management practices remain consistent with national policy. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Freedman maintains the integrity of agency decision-making processes. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability required to manage vast natural resources across the nation while balancing conservation objectives with public recreational access.

    Douglas Nash - Chief Information Officer

    Douglas Nash, the Chief Information Officer at U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern land management and scientific data analysis. Overseeing the integration of advanced technology into forestry and hydrology research, the Chief Information Officer ensures that evidence-based strategies remain accessible to field specialists. This leadership role involves managing large-scale data systems that support fire management, trail maintenance, and climate adaptation initiatives. By modernizing technical platforms, Douglas Nash directly impacts the efficiency of resource utilization and environmental monitoring across the country. The Chief Information Officer drives the implementation of secure, scalable systems that facilitate collaborative partnerships with communities and other governmental entities. Through the deployment of sophisticated analytical tools, Nash enables the agency to address contemporary issues in forest health. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer provides the critical technical foundation required to maintain productive landscapes and support diverse stakeholder interests.

    Ericka Thomas - Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights

    Ericka Thomas, the Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights at U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture, directs programs ensuring equitable access and compliance across all agency operations. Overseeing the implementation of civil rights policies, the Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights ensures that the organization upholds federal standards in every aspect of land management and public service. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse stakeholder interests and community partnerships. By monitoring organizational practices, Ericka Thomas directly impacts the agency commitment to fairness and transparency in resource access. The Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights coordinates with internal departments to integrate equity into decision-making processes regarding wildlife habitat conservation and recreational opportunities. Through the enforcement of rigorous compliance standards, Thomas protects the integrity of the agency mission. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights secures public trust by ensuring that all services remain accessible and equitable.

    Melissa Jenkins - Acting Deputy Chief of Staff

    Melissa Jenkins, the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff at U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture, supports the execution of agency-wide strategic priorities and operational scaling. Overseeing the coordination of cross-functional teams, the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that timber management and conservation objectives receive consistent executive attention. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information between senior leadership and regional operations to maintain organizational agility. By streamlining administrative processes, Melissa Jenkins directly impacts the ability of the agency to respond to urgent environmental challenges and fire management needs. The Acting Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates the alignment of departmental resources with the broader mission of sustainable land stewardship. Through the management of complex project portfolios, Jenkins supports the agency in balancing economic activity with ecological protection. Ultimately, the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff drives the operational continuity necessary to maintain healthy, productive landscapes across the entire national footprint.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture?
    U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture is led by Lisa Freedman (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Douglas Nash (Chief Information Officer) and Ericka Thomas (Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights).
    Who is part of U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture’s executive team?
    The executive team of U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture includes leaders such as Lisa Freedman (Chief of Staff), Douglas Nash (Chief Information Officer), Ericka Thomas (Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture have?
    U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of U.S. Forest Service - US Department of Agriculture includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights, Acting Deputy Chief of Staff.