Hubbard, James

Roles: Special Guest

In January 2006, James E. Hubbard stepped into the position of U.S. Forest Service Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry, with responsibility for Fire and Aviation Management, National Fire Plan, Cooperative Forestry Programs, Forest Health Protection, Conservation Education, Urban and Community Forestry, and the Office of Tribal Relations.  

Between November 2004 and October 2005, Hubbard served as the Director of the Office of Wildland Fire Coordination with the Department of the Interior.  In this position he had oversight for the implementation of the National Fire Plan and activities of the five land managing bureaus for forest fire prevention, mitigation, and partnerships with communities, tribes, and stakeholders.  

Jim was a member of the Colorado Forest Service for over 34 years before coming to Federal Service in 2004.  He served as Colorado State Forester from 1984-2004, where he oversaw 135 full-time employees, 17 field offices across the state and eight million acres of private and state forest.  Jim was a leader in the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and Chaired the Council of Western State Foresters.  He provided national leadership in the NASF through his many committee assignments, including the Chairman of the Legislative Committee.  Jim served as Liaison to the Western Governor’s Association during the development of the implementation strategy for the National Fire Plan.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from Colorado State University and is an Honor Alum of the College of Natural Resources. Jim grew up in Neodesha, rural Kansas where he enjoyed being in the woods, exploring new territory, and working the land.  He and his wife Cindy have three grown daughters.