Forest Service Chief Announces New Regional Forester for Eastern Region

Release Date: Nov 30, 2023

Contact(s): Jason Kirchner

Milwaukee (November 30, 2023)—USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore announced today the appointment of Tony Dixon as Regional Forester for the Forest Service’s Eastern Region. As Regional Forester, Dixon will oversee management of more than 12 million acres of the National Forest System lands in the Northeast and Midwest including 17 national forests and one national tallgrass prairie. Dixon will also continue to foster and maintain strong ties with tribal nations, 20 states and the District of Columbia, state and private landowners, and our many partners throughout the Northeast and Midwest.

"Tony’s field experience as a Deputy Regional Forester and Forest Supervisor combined with his years working at a national level managing the Forest Services’ business operations, overseeing all facets of the agency’s work, have given him a well-rounded preparation for his new role in the Eastern Region," said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “He is focused on building on the relationships and partnerships within the region, supporting tribal nations, and helping to deliver the Forest Service mission."

Dixon is currently serving as the Deputy Chief for Business Operations. He is a veteran leader in natural resources management and public service. Dixon launched his career as a cooperative education student on the Routt National Forest in Steamboat Springs, CO. He has served in a variety of positions and geographical locations, including the Chief Financial Officer, National Director of Strategic Planning, Budget, and Accountability; National Director of the Forest Service Job Corps Program; Deputy Regional Forester of the Rocky Mountain Region; and Forest Supervisor of the National Forests in Mississippi. He also served as the Deputy Regional Director of Public Affairs in the Southern Regional Office and held several other positions in the National Headquarters in Washington, DC, including Program Analyst, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Deputy Area Budget Coordinator, and Chief of Staff for the Deputy Chief of the National Forest System. Tony earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and forestry from Alabama A&M University and a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

“The Eastern Region is one of the Forest Service’s most diverse region, from our people and partners to our forests and tallgrass prairie, everyone here is passionate about the Forest Service mission, and I’m honored to be able to serve alongside our employees,” said Dixon. “I want to build on the long-standing legacy in the Eastern Region of focusing on our relationships with tribal nations and state and local partners, working together to support the land and people here in the Northeast and Midwest.”

Dixon will begin the position in January 2024 and will succeed Gina Owens, who retires on December 29, 2023. Owens leaves a distinguished legacy following her 34-year career with the Forest Service. She started as a volunteer in Alaska, spending the following years in leadership positions in Washington, D.C. and across the country before becoming Regional Forester. Owens focus as Regional Forester was on caring for our people and improving conditions across all landscapes in the region.

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of National Forest System land, consults and collaborates with sovereign Tribal Nations to uphold our federal trust responsibility and Treaty obligations, provides stewardship assistance to non-federal forest landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

For more information about the U.S. Forest Service visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/.