Strong leadership to ensure continuity of the Forest Service's critical work in Alaska
JUNEAU, Alaska — A new generation of leaders is stepping forward to guide the Alaska Region of the USDA Forest Service, bringing with them decades of local experience, trusted relationships, and an unwavering commitment to the communities and landscapes of Alaska.
This time of transition is grounded in continuity. Across the Tongass and Chugach National Forests and the Alaska Regional Office, incoming leaders are seasoned professionals with deep roots in the region, state, and two national forests and a shared belief in collaborative, community-centered public service.
At the Alaska Regional Office, Nicole Grewe has been named deputy regional forester. Grewe’s two-decade Alaska-focused career spans state and federal government and includes land management planning, socioeconomic research, community and tribal relations, and rural economic development. She most recently served as director of the Pacific Northwest Research Station’s social science and economics program spanning Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Her appointment continues an Alaska Regional Office tradition of strong, Alaska-savvy leadership, with strong ties to communities, tribal governments, landowners, and the business community. Grewe steps into the role following the retirement of Deputy Regional Forester Debbie Cress.
In February, the Chugach welcomed Jenn Youngblood (Muskogee Creek) as forest supervisor. Youngblood’s federal service began in Alaska and spans a broad portfolio—from business owner in the private sector to critical federal roles across the country, including Special Assistant to the Regional Forester for Tribal Relations in the Eastern Region and the first Deputy Forest Supervisor in the 109-year history of the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota. Most recently, she served as forest supervisor of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. She returns to Alaska with strong leadership credentials and a passion for productive and collaborative place-based land management.
Youngblood follows Jeff Schramm, who retired after five years leading the Chugach and more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Forest Service.
On the Tongass, we proudly welcome Monique Nelson as forest supervisor. Nelson has more than two decades of agency experience, having served as an ecologist, forest planner, and most recently as the Alaska Region’s director of Ecosystem Planning. Her deep understanding of the unique ecological, cultural, and social fabric of the Tongass makes her an ideal leader for this next chapter.
She succeeds Frank Sherman, who retired in mid-April after leading the Tongass through a dynamic era of innovation, stewardship, and shared success. Sherman was highly regarded for his leadership, good humor, and ability to connect with employees and partners alike.
To ensure local continuity, most of our dedicated district rangers across the Tongass and Chugach remain at the helm, bringing steady leadership and a deep knowledge of the lands and people they serve. Their presence will help ground new leadership priorities and ensure momentum and progress.
In fulfillment of a district ranger vacancy for Admiralty/Hoonah, we welcome Nikki Olsen who has accepted that position. Olsen is no stranger to Alaska—she has served as the region’s lead partnership coordinator and held multiple roles on the Tongass. Her appointment is a strong step forward for community-driven leadership in a district that is key to the future of shared stewardship in Southeast Alaska.
On Prince of Wales Island, incoming district ranger Chris Dowling brings more than two decades of experience in forestry and natural resource management. Dowling has been a district ranger for nearly 10 years. He also served as a presale forester, silviculturist, and timber program manager and worked on the Tongass from 2004-2009.
These leadership changes reflect more than transitions—they signal the opportunity to embrace fresh energy, bold ideas, and collaborative priorities that can unleash Alaska’s potential. The Forest Service remains deeply invested in the success of Alaska’s communities, the health of its forests, and the wisdom of its people.
As Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer puts it, “This moment is about honoring the legacy we’ve built while stepping forward with care, courage, and a deep belief in the people and places we served. These new leaders are not outsiders – they are a part of Alaska’s ongoing story. They walked these forests, worked alongside communities and tribal partners, and now carry the torch into the future.”
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