Message from the Director...

I am Jim Reaves, and I welcome you to the Southern Research Station.

As the new director, I pledge to build on our Station's long history of contributing to forest sustainability in the Southern United States by providing credible and useful scientific information.

Over my 26 years with the Forest Service, I have had many positions within our agency including scientist and assistant director with the Southern Research Station. Now I am thrilled to be back leading what I believe to be the premiere natural resources research organization in the South!

As I begin my tenure, I think that it is important to share with you the basis of my vision for the future. First and foremost, we are a science organization. My job will be to foster an atmosphere that encourages our employees to conduct innovative and useable research that informs natural resources policy and land management decisions. To accomplish this, I will focus on people, partnerships, and communications.

People: I want to foster a work environment that allows the Station's diverse and dynamic employees to be empowered, grow, and contribute to the mission and vision of the Station and the Forest Service.

Partnerships: I want to continue developing and enhancing effective partnerships to address the complex natural resources science and interconnecting social and economic issues in the South and the Nation.

Communications: I want to continue communicating cutting-edge science to our internal and external customers, partners, and publics using tools that are available, and to explore new and improved communication technologies.

Over the next few months, I will be busy traveling around the South to meet as many employees, partners, and other interested citizens as possible. I invite you to keep track of my schedule of travel and events and take this opportunity to give me your feedback and ideas on how our Station can better serve you.

Hope to see you soon!