| The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest welcomes Cheri Ford as their new supervisor. “I am very excited to have Cheri join us in the Northern Region as the new Forest Supervisor on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,” said Regional Forester Leanne Marten. “Cheri brings with her a deep desire and belief in working collaboratively with community members, Tribes, local and state governments. Her strong resource conservation background makes Cheri a wonderful addition to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the communities in which she will be working and living.”
“I have a deeply rooted commitment to working collaboratively and as the new forest supervisor I plan to prioritize hearing from our public’s and partners to better understand local interest,” commented Ford. “I am very pleased to be working with such a highly motivated and hard working group of employees spread across the Forest.”
Cheri was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota and graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in both wildlife biology and forestry. She later graduated with her Masters of Natural Resource Stewardship with a forestry and environmental policy emphasis from Colorado State University.
Cheri comes to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF from the Salmon Challis NF in Idaho where she was the Deputy Forest Supervisor. Previously, she represented the Forest Service in Colorado to coordinate with various state agencies, members and staff of the State Legislature, and the Governor’s Office.
Cheri is no stranger to Montana. She has worked for the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests as well as the Forest Service’s Northern Regional Office assisting in the wildlife and soils programs. After leaving Montana, Cheri worked in a variety of assignments including wildlife biologist for the Tongass National Forest in Thorne Bay, Alaska. She has also served as the Wildlife Program Manager for the Forest Service’s Eastern Region’s Office; and as the Tribal Government Liaison for the Chequamegon-Nicolet, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forest’s in the Lakes States.
Cheri has an interest in most anything that is outdoor-related, especially when it includes; hunting, skiing, kayaking and rafting with family. Ford fills in behind Melany Glossa who was promoted to a Deputy Regional Forester for the Forest Service’s Eastern Region in Milwaukie, WI. She has been with the Forest in an acting capacity since Glossa’s departure and will transition officially March 17th. |
