Tom Schultz has been appointed as the 21st chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service, succeeding Randy Moore following his retirement. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the appointment, stating that Schultz will lead efforts to restore and manage the nation’s forests. Moore, who served the agency for over 40 years, officially steps down as Schultz assumes leadership.
Schultz previously served as vice president of resources and government affairs at Idaho Forest Group, overseeing timber procurement and government relations. His experience includes directing the Idaho Department of Lands and holding leadership roles in Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A former U.S. Air Force officer, Schultz holds degrees in government, political science, and forestry from the University of Virginia, the University of Wyoming, and the University of Montana.
As Forest Service chief, Schultz will oversee 154 national forests and 20 grasslands spanning 43 states. His priorities include active forest management, wildfire suppression, and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. He joins the USDA leadership team alongside Deputy Under Secretary Kristin Sleeper, who highlighted his 25 years of land management experience in the West and South.
