NEWS RELEASE USDA Forest Service Washington, D.C.
Release No. FS-0612	Contact:	Press Office, (202) 205-1134

FOREST SERVICE CHIEF ANNOUNCES HANK KASHDAN AS SUCCESSOR FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Leadership position oversees agency's competitive sourcing, human resources and budget

WASHINGTON , Dec. 21, 2005 – USDA Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today announced the selection of Hank Kashdan as deputy chief for business operations.

"Hank is a public servant of the highest caliber with more than 32 years of service," said Bosworth. "He is a great fit for this position because of his in-depth experience in administering our budget for the past several years as well as from the many different positions he has held in the field throughout his career."

Since 2000, Kashdan has directed the program and budget analysis staff in the business operations' deputy area. He will replace Chris Pyon, who will retire from federal service at the end of the year.

As deputy chief of business operations, Kashdan will oversee the following staffs: acquisition management; alternative dispute resolution; budget and finance; civil rights; communication; competitive sourcing; financial management; human resources management; information resources management; occupational safety and health; program and budget analysis; regulatory and management services; senior, youth and volunteer programs; and strategic planning and resource assessment.

"I'm honored that Chief Bosworth has asked me to take on these duties and I look forward to meeting this new challenge in my career," said Kashdan. "This is an important time for the Forest Service as it strives to implement major efficiencies in its aministrative programs."

In 1973, Kashdan began his career as a survey technician doing land line and road surveys on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for the Kaibab National Forest (Arizona). He worked in a variety of positions in duty stations across the country, including as a ranger district administrative assistant, a timber sale contracting officer, a forest administrative officer, and an assistant director in law enforcement. In 1993, he moved to Washington, DC, and spent two years detailed to the U.S. Senate, Committee on Appropriations, Interior and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Kashdan holds a bachelor's degree from Humboldt State University (Arcata, Calf.).

Kashdan will begin his new assignment in January.

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