JACKSON, Wyo. — Bridger-Teton National Forest supervisor Tricia O’Connor has been appointed Acting Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region.
The promotion was announced today by USDA Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. O’Connor will step into the new position October 19, 2020. She will lead more than 2,000 employees and share stewardship of 22 million acres of national forests and grasslands in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming with partners and 48 affiliated tribes.
O’Connor began her career with the Forest Service in 1988 on the Mt. Hood National Forest as a wildlife biologist. Her previous assignments include wildlife biologist for the Lolo National Forest in Montana; and district ranger, forest staff officer, and deputy forest supervisor for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
O’Connor has been the supervisor of the Bridger-Teton since assuming the role in February 2015.
O’Connor earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell University and a master’s degree in natural resource management from Humboldt State University. She and her husband Keith Rush enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and international travel.
O’Connor replaces Jennifer Eberlien, who served as acting regional forester for the Rocky Mountain Region since October 2019. Eberlien accepted a new position as Associate Deputy Chief for National Forest System at the USDA Forest Service Headquarters in Washington D.C.
The Bridger-Teton will employ Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor Sean Ferrell, here from Taos, New Mexico; and Acting Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson, here from Salt Lake City, Utah until the beginning of 2021.
