U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has appointed Tom Schultz as the new chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, marking him as the 21st person to hold this position. This announcement was made on February 27, 2025.
“Tom is the right person to lead the Forest Service right now, and I know he will fight every day to restore America’s national forests,” stated Secretary Rollins. She expressed confidence in Schultz's ability to collaborate with Forest Service employees to fulfill President Donald J. Trump's agenda for healthier and more productive forests.
Schultz will take over from Chief Randy Moore, who announced his retirement after more than four decades of service with the agency. In response to his appointment, Schultz expressed gratitude and commitment: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the next chief of the Forest Service. I will work tirelessly to further support and protect our rural communities.”
Kristin Sleeper, deputy under secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at USDA, praised Schultz’s extensive experience in land management: “Schultz is a respected leader, who has more than 25 years of land management experience in the West and the South.” She looks forward to working closely with both Secretary Rollins and Schultz.
Retiring Chief Randy Moore shared his thoughts on his tenure: “Working to further healthier forests and a better Forest Service on behalf of the American people has been the honor of my life.” He expressed confidence in Schultz's future leadership.
The role of Forest Service Chief involves leading efforts across 154 national forests and 20 grasslands spread over 43 states. The Forest Service plays a key role in federal forest management, research development, and wildland firefighting.
Before this appointment, Schultz was vice president at Idaho Forest Group where he managed timber procurement operations. His career also includes roles such as director of Idaho Department of Lands and positions within Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Schultz holds academic credentials from several institutions including a bachelor’s degree from University of Virginia, a master’s degree from University of Wyoming, and another master’s degree from University of Montana.
