US Forest Service Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The US Forest Service has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, strategic operations, and civil rights.

Dedicated to balancing conservation with resource utilization, the US Forest Service applies scientific research and advanced land management practices to guide decision-making across its operations, addressing complex environmental challenges while maintaining productive landscapes.

Leadership Roles at US Forest Service

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

    Douglas Nash, the Chief Information Officer at US Forest Service, directs the agency's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of information systems, Nash ensures the secure and efficient operation of digital platforms that support the US Forest Service's vast land management mandates. This leadership role involves architecting scalable IT solutions to manage complex environmental data, facilitate inter-agency communication, and enhance public access to resources. By implementing advanced data analytics and cybersecurity measures, Nash drives operational efficiency and supports evidence-based decision-making across the organization. The Chief Information Officer's focus extends to modernizing legacy systems and fostering innovation in digital tools, directly impacting the agency's ability to address contemporary issues like climate adaptation and watershed protection. Nash's strategic vision ensures the technological foundation aligns with the agency's mission of sustainable resource management and conservation across the nation.

    Lisa Freedman - Chief of Staff

    Lisa Freedman, the Chief of Staff at US Forest Service, orchestrates strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the agency. This critical position involves managing high-level projects, coordinating executive communications, and ensuring the seamless execution of the US Forest Service's diverse mandates, which span conservation, recreation, and resource utilization. Freedman's responsibilities include facilitating collaboration between various departments and external stakeholders, thereby strengthening the agency's ability to address complex environmental challenges. By applying sophisticated coordination to conservation objectives and resource management, the Chief of Staff ensures that scientific research and land management practices are effectively integrated into daily operations. Lisa Freedman's leadership supports the development of evidence-based strategies for sustainable resource management, directly contributing to the protection of productive landscapes and the support of diverse stakeholder interests nationwide.

    Melissa Jenkins - Acting Deputy Chief of Staff

    Melissa Jenkins, the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff at US Forest Service, provides essential support to the Chief of Staff in managing the agency's extensive operations. This role involves assisting in the coordination of strategic planning and the implementation of key directives across the US Forest Service's national resource management efforts. Jenkins contributes to ensuring that conservation objectives, recreational access, and resource utilization are effectively balanced through sophisticated coordination. The Acting Deputy Chief of Staff plays a part in translating scientific research and advanced land management practices into actionable strategies for field operations. Melissa Jenkins's work facilitates the agency's capacity to address contemporary environmental issues, including forest health and watershed protection, by ensuring operational continuity and supporting executive decision-making processes.

    Ericka Thomas - Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights

    Ericka Thomas, the Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights at US Forest Service, directs the strategic implementation of civil rights policies and programs across the agency. This leadership function ensures equitable practices and fosters an inclusive environment, aligning with the US Forest Service's commitment to diverse stakeholder interests. Thomas oversees the integration of civil rights considerations into all aspects of land management, from conservation initiatives to recreational access programs. The Chief of Staff - Office of Civil Rights champions the application of fair and just principles in resource utilization and environmental challenge resolution. Ericka Thomas's expertise guides the development of evidence-based strategies that uphold the agency's dedication to equality and non-discrimination, supporting sustainable resource management and protecting public health nationwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding US Forest Service Top Executives and Leadership Team

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