Doug Powers passed away suddenly on July 25, 2021, in Missoula, Montana. He was a supervisory program manager at the Forest Service National Technology and Development Program. While Doug was only with T&D a little more than two years, he had a profound influence on the program and the people he supervised. He was a leader who took great pride in always improving his personal leadership skills, while also mentoring and supporting his staff, and others at T&D. He was devoted to his employees and making T&D a better place to work.

Doug grew up in Arizona and joined the U.S. Army after high school. He became an Army Ranger and lived by the Ranger Creed. After his service in the Army, he earned a biology degree from Northern Arizona University, specializing in wildlife biology and resource management. He worked for many land management agencies throughout his career, including the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He held positions within the Forest Service on the Wenatchee National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and Lake Basin Management Unit. Doug worked for the U.S. Department of Navy in San Diego, California, before coming to Missoula to work for T&D in 2019.

Everyone knew when Doug entered a room. His large stature was matched only by his passion for improving his employees’ welfare and morale. He very much cared for people, and we will all miss the “gentle giant.” Please check out this kudoboard for more insight about Doug and his effect on the people who knew him.

Doug leaves behind two children and many friends.