Governor Doug Ducey Announces State Forester

Released by the Governor's Office:

JANUARY 29, 2015

PHOENIX - Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointment of Jeff Whitney as director of the Arizona State Forestry Division.

"Jeff possesses more than 40 years of professional experience in forestry and fire prevention," said Governor Ducey. "Particularly in a state that is no stranger to large and destructive wildfires, Jeff's background and expertise as a National Type 1 Incident Commander will be integral to the health of our forests and the safety of our communities."

Mr. Whitney most recently served as executive director of the Fire Program Analysis for the U.S. Department of the Interior and the USDA Forest Service. He previously served the U.S. Forest Service in numerous capacities including as program manager; assistant director of planning and budget; and incident commander.

Mr. Whitney also served as a deputy forest supervisor in San Bernadino, California; natural resources group leader with the Tonto National Forest; desert fishes/listing and recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Phoenix field office; regional fire management coordinator and southwest strategy coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and more. He began his career in 1972 as a seasonal firefighter, serving five seasons with hotshot crews and three seasons as a heavy engine captain.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in botany from Northern Arizona University and holds a Master of Science in environmental resources from Arizona State University.

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