NEWS RELEASE USDA Forest Service Washington, D.C.
Release No. 0811	Contact:	Press Office (202) 205-1134

Agpaoa to Lead Southern Region of the U.S. Forest Service

WASHINGTON, August 15, 2008—U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail R. Kimbell today appointed Elizabeth (Liz) Agpaoa as Southern Regional Forester (Region 8). Agpaoa will oversee 14 national forests in 13 southern states and Puerto Rico. She currently is the Acting Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region. Agpaoa succeeds Chuck Myers who recently became Associate Deputy Chief of the National Forest System in Washington, D.C.

“Liz brings a wealth of experience in forest management and cooperating with State and private forestry programs,” said Chief Kimbell. “She has a deep belief in public service and conservation management that will serve her well in this new assignment.”

Agpaoa began her career with the Forest Service in 1979 as a district biologist on the Williamette National Forest in Oregon. She has since served as a Line Officer at the District, Forest, and Regional levels in the Agency, as well as serving as the Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C. Her forest management expertise includes line officer assignments in Oregon, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Agpaoa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management and a Master of Science degree in Natural Resource Management from Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.

Agpaoa’s husband, Dan Crittenden, also has a career with the Forest Service. An October start date for her new assignment is anticipated.