Pacific Southwest Region Announces New Forest Supervisor for the Angeles National Forest

Pacific Southwest Region Acting Regional Forester Jacque Buchanan announced today that Jamahl Butler has been selected as the permanent Forest Supervisor for the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Butler will begin his new role on August 7, 2026. Butler has been serving as the Acting Forest Supervisor for the Angeles since March 8.

Buchanan praised Butler’s leadership experience and deep connection to the forest. “Jamahl brings exceptional skill, humility, and commitment to public service. His knowledge of the Angeles—its landscapes, communities, and complexities—positions him well to lead this forest into the future. We are fortunate to have someone with Jamahl’s experience and integrity stepping into this role.”

Butler said he is honored and excited to serve the Angeles in this new capacity. “I am deeply honored to serve as Forest Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest. The Angeles has shaped much of my understanding of public service, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation created by those who have served before me. I will lead with a clear commitment to our employees, the communities we serve, and the long term health of the forest.”

Butler’s career reflects more than two decades of leadership in forest restoration, recreation, public affairs, and wildland fire management. 
He previously served on the Angeles National Forest as a Deputy District Ranger, Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District from 2016 to 2018 and as the District Ranger, Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District from 2018 to 2023.

Butler served as the Deputy Forest Supervisor for the San Bernardino National Forest since September 2023, helping guide complex land management decisions across two national monuments and one of the most dynamic forest environments in the nation.

He began his Forest Service career on the Hume Lake Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest in 2000 and later served nearly seven years as the District Assistant Resource Officer on the San Gabriel River Ranger District. His experience also includes conservation leadership roles with the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Memorial Park Conservancy in Houston, Texas.

Butler holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from Mississippi State University and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management from Utah State University. Originally from Arkansas, he is proud to call California home.