New deputy Forest Supervisor

   Thomas F. Gillett has been selected as the new deputy Forest Supervisor of the San Bernardino National Forest and the BearValley.  He is currently the district ranger on the Descanso District of the Cleveland National Forest in Alpine, California.

   “Tom’s extensive 32-year career in the Forest Service and his experience in Southern California make him a great addition to the San Bernardino National Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans.  “He has significant experience in forestry, fire, and all Forest Service programs and has a proven track record working with communities in California.  We are pleased to welcome Tom to the forest.”

   Gillett, 54, received his bachelor of science degree in forest management, magna cum laude, from Northern Arizona University in 1976.  Early on, he worked seasonally with the Lincoln and Coconino NFs on several fire engine crews.  He got his first permanent appointment as a timber marker, and then held a variety of positions in timber, recreation, lands, and minerals on five different ranger districts of the Coconino and Kaibab NFs. Before he transferred to the Cleveland NF, he was the Public Services Branch Leader (Forest Staff Officer) overseeing the recreation, lands, minerals, heritage, wilderness, and public affairs programs on the Kaibab NF.

   He moved to the Cleveland NF in 2002 as the District Ranger on the Descanso Ranger District, the southern-most ranger district in the region. As District Ranger, he works with a variety of external interests and cooperators on complex development and resource management and protection issues. The district was at ground zero in the Cedar Fire of 2003 and in the 2007 fire siege.

   Tom has had several details and special assignments working on Forest Service program and policy issues at the regional and national level. He was the Acting Forest Supervisor for the Cleveland NF in 2007 and he provided essential assistance to the San Bernardino NF coordinating Engine 57 support.

   “I'm really excited and honored to have this opportunity to work with the employees on the San Bernardino National Forest,” said Gillett.  “In my brief assignment on the forest last year, I came to appreciate and respect everyone I met.  I look forward to getting to know the employees, the forest issues and the local communities.”

   Tom is a native of Southern California, originally from Pasadena.  His wife of ten years, Linda, is a journalist specializing in science and medicine.  The two are avid hikers and he also enjoys surfing and spending time with his two sons, Aaron, 28, and Tyler, 26. 

   Gillett’s report date is yet to be determined.  He fills behind former Deputy Supervisor Max Copenhagen who retired in January.

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