FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2024
Wes
Moorehead named Texas A&M Forest Service Deputy Director
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Wes
Moorehead has been named Deputy Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. In
this role, Moorehead will report to Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al
Davis and will oversee the successful implementation of Davis’ and the agency’s
statewide, strategic initiatives.
“It is an honor to take
on this new role within the agency,” said Moorehead. “As our agency continues
to grow, this new role will play a crucial part in turning our strategic
initiatives into reality, ensuring that we effectively meet the growing demand
for our services across the state.”
Moorehead most recently served
as the Associate Director of Forest Resource Protection and Fire Chief since
March 2022 where he oversaw wildfire response operations, including response to
the Smokehouse Creek Fire during February and March 2024—the
largest wildfire in Texas history.
Moorehead began his
career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2001 as a Forest Inventory and Analysis
Forester in Kirbyville before transitioning to a District Forester position. He
then served as one of three Regional Foresters for the agency based in
Nacogdoches.
From 2012 to 2020, he
served as the Department Head of East Texas Operations where he was responsible
for overseeing the agency’s forestry and firefighting efforts on 12 million
acres of forested lands.
Moorehead earned his
Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from Stephen F. Austin
University in Nacogdoches. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School
Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.
In 2020, Moorehead was
the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service
Award. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in the Field of
Forestry Award from the Society of American Foresters and has previously been appointed
to the Board of Directors for the Texas Forestry Association.
“Wes has more than proven
his leadership during his time in the agency and as an Associate Director,” said
Davis. “My admiration for him continues to grow as I witness his impact on our
operations throughout the state. I am confident that he will continue to create
success for the Texas A&M Forest Service mission in this new role.”
The Texas A&M Forest
Service Deputy Director role was established this year to increase the capacity
of executive leadership within the agency and expand the agency’s incident preparedness
and response efforts across the state.
Moorehead shared that 2022
emerged as one of the most significant fire years the state has faced since
2011. The worst summer fire season in the agency’s history occurred in 2023 and
the largest wildfire in Texas history burned during spring 2024.
“In recent years, the
magnitude and intensity of wildfires have increased across Texas,” said
Moorehead. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we are efficient and
effective in meeting the needs of all Texans. We are also ensuring that our
first responders and personnel have the resources to maximize their potential
in whatever capacity they serve.”
As Moorehead looks ahead
to the future of the agency, he is committed to unifying the emergency response
and natural resource programs, building strong relationships with stakeholders
and enhancing personnel development to ensure the efficient delivery of the
agency’s programs and services.
“I am optimistic about
the direction of the agency and hope to help usher in a new era,” said
Moorehead. “While we will undoubtedly face future challenges, I believe we are
well-positioned to confront them head-on and make meaningful progress.”
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Photo: High-resolution
headshots can be found here: https://agrilife.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00004ctr0uNLkTQ/G0000OMUJ.RIdjMo/Headshots
Contact:
Texas A&M Forest Service
Communications, 979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu