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Kelardy Named Forest Supervisor for National Forests in Mississippi
Release Date:
ATLANTA (September 24, 2021) – Shannon Kelardy has been selected as the Forest Supervisor for the National Forests in Mississippi within the U.S. Forest Service. The position is responsible for management of the six units that comprise the National Forests in Mississippi: the Bienville, Delta, Holly Springs, Homochitto, Tombigbee, and De Soto National Forests.
“We’re excited to have Shannon move into the Forest Supervisor role. Her diverse leadership experiences and background in ecosystem management will continue to be an asset to the Forest and the Region,” said Regional Forester Ken Arney.
He added that as the Acting Forest Supervisor and Deputy Forest Supervisor in Mississippi, Kelardy has provided successful leadership on a number of complex issues, including southern pine beetle outbreaks and hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery.
Prior to joining the Forest Service, Kelardy served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years. She began her Forest Service career in 2010 as a Student Intern with Ecosystem Management Coordination in the Washington Office. Her Forest Service career has also included serving as Environmental Specialist, Planning Specialist, and Regional Objections Coordinator. Her acting assignments have included Forest Supervisor on the National Forests in Mississippi, Staff Assistant to the Regional Forester, Conecuh District Ranger, and Staff Officer on the Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests. Kelardy has a B.A. in Political Science and a Law Degree.
“I am excited to continue working in my new role with the public, our partners, and our exceptional workforce to care for and improve the lands and resources of the National Forests in Mississippi,” Kelardy said. “As Gifford Pinchot said, ‘The purpose of conservation: The greatest good to the greatest number of people for the longest time.’”
The National Forests in Mississippi are part of the Southern Region of the U.S. Forest Service. The region encompasses 13 states and Puerto Rico. Known as Region 8 within the Forest Service, the Southern Region consists of 14 national forest units and two special units. National Forests in the Southern Region are managed to strike a balance between resource development and protecting wild places for recreation and wildlife.
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The USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.