SAF Welcomes New Forest Service Chief

July 1, 2021

Tom Vilsak, Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture recently announced Randy Moore, Regional Forester of the Pacific Northwest Region, as the 20th Chief of the USDA Forest Service and the first African American in the position. “Randy Moore has been a catalyst for change and creativity in carrying out the Forest Service’s mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations,” Vilsack said in a statement announcing the transition. 

SAF welcomed this announcement with the following statement from CEO Terry Baker: 

“Randy Moore’s extensive experience in forestry and wildland fire management will be an asset to the agency at this critical moment in our country. SAF looks forward to our continued partnership with incoming Chief Moore and the Forest Service as we usher in the next chapter of forest management—working intently to address the nation’s forest health challenges while promoting safe, respectful, and gratifying work environments for all forestry professionals. We would also like to send our sincerest gratitude to Chief Vicki Christiansen for her dedicated career in public service and wish her all the best in her retirement."