Wes Moorehead named deputy director for Texas A&M Forest Service

Wes Moorehead has been named deputy director of Texas A&M Forest Service. In this role, he will report to Texas A&M Forest Service director Al Davis and oversee the successful implementation of Davis’s and the agency’s statewide, strategic initiatives. 

“It is an honor to take on this new role within the agency,” said Moorehead. “As our agency continues to grow, this new role will play a crucial part in turning our strategic initiatives into reality, ensuring that we effectively meet the growing demand for our services across the state.”

Roles through the years

Moorehead most recently served as the associate director of forest resource protection and fire chief since March 2022, where he oversaw wildfire response operations, including response to the Smokehouse Creek Fire — the largest wildfire in Texas history — this past February and March.

Moorehead began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2001 as a forest inventory and analysis forester in Kirbyville before transitioning to a district forester position. He then served as one of three regional foresters for the agency based in Nacogdoches. 

From 2012 to 2020, he served as the department head of East Texas Operations where he was responsible for overseeing the agency’s forestry and firefighting efforts on 12 million acres of forested lands. 

Moorehead earned his bachelor’s in forest management from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

In 2020, Moorehead was the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in the Field of Forestry Award from the Society of American Foresters and has previously been appointed to the board of directors for the Texas Forestry Association.

“Wes has more than proven his leadership during his time in the agency and as an associate director,” said Davis. “My admiration for him continues to grow as I witness his impact on our operations throughout the state. I am confident that he will continue to create success for the Texas A&M Forest Service mission in this new role.”

Deputy director’s purpose

The Texas A&M Forest Service deputy director role was established this year to increase the capacity of executive leadership within the agency and expand the agency’s incident preparedness and response efforts across the state. 

Moorehead shared that 2022 emerged as one of the most significant fire years the state has faced since 2011. The worst summer fire season in the agency’s history occurred in 2023 and was followed by the largest wildfire in Texas history this past spring. 

“In recent years, the magnitude and intensity of wildfires have increased across Texas,” said Moorehead. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we are efficient and effective in meeting the needs of all Texans. We are also ensuring that our first responders and personnel have the resources to maximize their potential in whatever capacity they serve.” 

Moorehead said he is committed to unifying the emergency response and natural resource programs, building strong relationships with stakeholders and enhancing personnel development to ensure the efficient delivery of the agency’s programs and services. 

“I am optimistic about the direction of the agency and hope to help usher in a new era,” he said. “While we will undoubtedly face future challenges, I believe we are well-positioned to confront them head on and make meaningful progress.”

Contact:

Texas A&M Forest Service Communications, 979-458-6606, [email protected]