Office of the Chief

Gail Kimbell Chief (Biography)

Welcome to the web site of the U.S. Forest Service Chief’s Office! In case you’re new to the Forest Service, our purpose is twofold: (1) to make sure that America’s forests and grasslands are in the healthiest condition they can be; and (2) to see to it that you have lots of opportunities to use, enjoy, and care for the lands and waters that sustain us all. Our focus at the Forest Service is on the ground—on the places where you live, work, and play. Above all, we’re dedicated to keeping everyone on the ground safe and secure. Our goal is to serve our communities, both rural and urban. One way is to work with partners for healthy, resilient forests and rangelands on federal, state, and private lands. Healthy lands support the outdoor activities of millions of Americans each year, a service we proudly provide on the National Forest System. A central concern for all Americans is sustainable land management. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to protect our communities, properties, and wildland resources from catastrophic fire and other threats. You own your national forests and grasslands, and we are here to serve you. As you browse our website, please think of ways we can better serve you and let us know.

Sally Colllins Associate Chief (Biography)

Chief's Office Staff

Chief's Biography

Abigail (Gail) R. Kimbell became the 16th Chief of the Forest Service on February 4, 2007. As Chief, Kimbell has focused the agency’s attention on climate change, water, and kids, emphasizing the importance of keeping forests and rangelands healthy.

Kimbell grew up in New England, where she spent her formative years hiking, fishing, and camping on the White Mountain National Forest. She received a bachelor’s degree in forest management from the University of Vermont in 1974 and a master’s degree in forest engineering from Oregon State University in 1982.

She started her federal forestry career as a seasonal employee in 1973. She was a forester with the Bureau of Land Management in Medford, OR, and joined the Forest Service as a presale forester in Kodiak, AK. She has worked as a logging engineer, district planner, district ranger, and forest supervisor in positions in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Wyoming, and Colorado.

In May 2002, Kimbell moved to national headquarters as the associate deputy chief for the National Forest System. In December 2003, Kimbell was named as the Regional Forester for the Northern Region based in Missoula, MT.

Kimbell and her husband, Ed Stryker, enjoy the great outdoors by camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, and flying. Ed is a pilot and a retired land surveyor. They have two miniature schnauzers.

Kimbell is a member of the Society of American Foresters.

Associate Chief's Biography

Sally Collins was named Associate Chief for the USDA, Forest Service, August 2001.

The Forest Service provides leadership for the protection and sustainable use of the Nation’s forested lands, more than one-third of the United States, and related natural resources.  The Agency carries out these responsibilities in every state, with an annual budget of $4 billion and a 30,000-employee workforce.  It provides international leadership and advises many countries on conservation issues.

Prior to her selection as Associate Chief, Collins had been the Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System since April 2000.  With more than 25 years with the Forest Service, she has held positions including:  Associate Deputy Chief for National Forest Systems in Washington, DC, Forest Supervisor of the Deschutes National Forest and Forest Planner on the Siuslaw National Forest.  Prior to the Forest Service, she worked for the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado as a Wilderness Specialist, Environmental Coordinator, and Energy Minerals Coordinator.

She was born in Ames, Iowa.  She received her BS from the University of Colorado and her Master’s degree from the University of Wyoming.

Her spouse, John, is an oceanographer working for National Oceanographic Atmosphere Administration (NOAA). Their daughter, Casey, after graduating from University of New Hampshire and University of Colorado is serving in the Peace Corps in Peru.