New Director Chosen for Forest Service Ecosystem Management
USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today the appointment of Tony Tooke as Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination. As Director, Tooke will guide the planning and decision-making processes used by the Forest Service to manage the lands and resources of the National Forest System and the delivery of services to the American people.
“Tony’s broad experience in natural resources management at the ranger district, forest, and national levels is exceptional,” Tidwell said. “His leadership in the critical and complex work of ecosystem management will be invaluable.”
An Alabama native, Tooke earned a BS degree in forestry from Mississippi State University. He began his career with the Forest Service in 1980 on the National Forests in Mississippi. Tooke became a line officer in 1993, serving as District Ranger in Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama and as Deputy Forest Supervisor on the National Forests in Florida.
In September 2006, Tooke accepted the position of Assistant Director for Forest Management in Washington DC, where his work included ecological restoration, climate change, and integrative vegetation management.
Tooke comes to EMC from the Economic Recovery Program, where he has served as Deputy Director since March 2009. Tooke will report to his new assignment in mid-January.