MILWAUKEE, WI (April 21, 2025) — USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz today announced Gordie Blum will serve as acting regional forester for the Eastern Region, effective May 1, 2025. Blum will temporarily succeed Regional Forester Tony Dixon as he reaches his planned retirement after 34 years of service.
“I would like to thank Tony for his dedication and exemplary leadership for over three decades. He’s left a meaningful legacy and has truly been a champion of our mission and employees,” said Chief Schultz.
As acting regional forester, Blum will oversee management of 17 national forests and one national tallgrass prairie spanning the Northeast and Midwest United States.
“Gordie’s understanding of the importance of field work and collaboration with state and local decision-makers perfectly positions him to serve in this leadership role for the Eastern Region. As the agency focuses on safety, active forest management, fire management and recreation, Blum will work with our partners to advance the agency’s mission critical work,” said Chief Schultz.
Gordie has over 30 years of federal civilian service. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1991-1997, he began his career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois before joining the Forest Service in 2000 as the communications director for the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. He has also been a legislative affairs specialist in Washington, D.C., the deputy and acting forest supervisor on the Willamette National Forest in Eugene, OR, Pacific Northwest Region Recreation, Lands and Minerals Director in Portland, and Eastern Region Recreation Director. Throughout his career he has served in numerous acting leadership assignments; including USDA Natural Resources and Environment liaison, deputy director of Fire and Aviation Management, and acting forest supervisor on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Eastern Region as we steward the health and productivity of our nation’s forests and grasslands,” said Blum. “I look forward to building relationships across the region as we focus on delivering on the agency’s priorities.”
For more information about the Forest Service visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/.
