SGSF Welcomes James Fortner as New Policy Director

The Southern Group of State Foresters is excited to welcome our newest addition to the staff team. James Fortner will be joining SGSF as the Policy Director to support the SGSF mission through dedicated engagement with Congress, the Administration and key partners on our policy priorities. James joins us after recently retiring from federal service with the US Forest Service, where he most recently served as the Chief of Staff for State and Private Forestry.

“Having worked with James in his federal role, SGSF and our members are keenly aware of his understanding of and advocacy for state priorities,” says SGSF Chair and Kentucky State Forester Brandon Howard. “His broad experience, particularly in cooperative fire programs and landowner assistance, are a perfect fit to continue to build on SGSF’s policy successes.”

Before joining SGSF, James spent 41 years serving in various roles under the United States Department of Agriculture, including Realty Specialist, National Environmental Compliance Manager for the Farm Service Agency, and Training and Exercise Coordinator for the USDA Office of Homeland Security. In his recent role with USFS, he was instrumental in developing the Wildfire Defense Grant Program which provides communities with much needed financial assistance to reduce wildfire risk. He also provided strong support of the State Fire Assistance and Volunteer Fire Assistance Programs. James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Extension Education from Mississippi State University and resides in Arlington, VA, with his wife, Charlsia, and their two children, Audrey and Charles.

James begins with SGSF on September 14^th, and can be reached at jfortner@southernforests.org. 

Please join us in welcoming James to the team!