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JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Forestry Commission’s Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Russell Bozeman to serve as Mississippi’s 13th State Forester, effective December 15, 2018.
“On behalf of the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s Board of Commissioners, I am pleased to announce Russell Bozeman’s appointment as State Forester. The Mississippi Forestry Commission is very fortunate to have him in this role. Mr. Bozeman's dedication, background in forestry, leadership skills, and institutional knowledge make him highly qualified to fill his new role as State Forester,” said Ken Martin, Board Chairman. “He has already proven to be a valuable asset to the agency, and the Board of Commissioners looks forward to his continued success serving the State of Mississippi.”
The State Forester oversees the state agency’s leadership team in the areas of forest protection, forest management, wildland fire management, forest inventory, and forest information distribution.
Bozeman began his career with the agency as Director of Forest Protection and Information. More recently, Bozeman served the agency as Interim State Forester (October 2018) and Assistant State Forester (2015). Some of his responsibilities included supervision of the agency’s wildfire response efforts, public outreach and education division, and urban forestry division. He also engaged in strategic planning activities, budget oversight, and new program development to ensure healthy and productive forests for the people of Mississippi. In addition, Bozeman acted as liaison to state and federal agency partners, forestry membership associations (on the state, regional, and national levels), and the state’s elected officials.
“I am humbled and honored to accept this appointment as Mississippi’s next State Forester,” said Bozeman. “Our employees’ passion for protecting the state’s natural resources and serving the people of Mississippi is inspiring. I look forward to continuing the agency’s forward momentum in this new capacity.”
Bozeman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry with a concentration in Forest Management from Mississippi State University and is a registered forester. He is a member of the Southern Group of State Foresters, National Association of State Foresters, Society of American Foresters, Mississippi Forestry Association, and Hinds County Forestry Association. Bozeman lives in Raymond with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and serving as an active member of Raymond United Methodist Church.
To learn more about the Mississippi Forestry Commission, please visit our website and follow us on social media:YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
View this release online: http://bit.ly/BozemanNamedSF
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About the Mississippi Forestry Commission
Established in 1926, the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) protects the state’s valuable 19.8 million acres of forestland from wildfire, manages approximately 480,000 acres of forested School Trust Land, and delivers quality forest management services and assistance to both rural and urban landowners. Our mission is to provide active leadership in forest protection, forest management, forest inventory, and effective forest information distribution, necessary for Mississippi's sustainable forest-based economy. Mississippi's forestry and forest products industries have a $12.79 billion economic impact and employ almost 70,000 people. Forestry consistently ranks as the state’s second most valuable agricultural commodity, right behind the poultry industry. The MFC looks forward to the continued privilege of caring for Mississippi’s trees, forests, and natural resources.
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