The Mississippi Forestry Commission’s Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Russell Bozeman to serve as Mississippi’s 13th State Forester.
“On behalf of the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s Board of Commissioners, I am pleased to announce Russell Bozeman’s appointment as State Forester,” said Ken Martin, Board Chairman. “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. “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 appointment of Bozeman comes two months after Charlie Morgan resigned from the position following a DUI arrest. Bozeman has since been serving as the interim head of the agency.
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.
