Jessica Hollingsworth, a Forest Service employee with 20 years of experience in natural resources, has been selected as the National Forests in Mississippi’s Fire Staff Officer, a position that oversees and coordinates one of the largest prescribed burn programs in the country.

“The National Forests in Mississippi’s fire program has a great reputation nationally. It’s an honor to step into this role. I look forward to working closely with our employees as well as our partners,” Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth will work with Homochitto National Forest District Fire Management Officer Trey Bolt and all fire staff in National Forest districts across Mississippi in prescribed fire and wildfire response. Prescribed fire is an important habitat management tool. The Homochitto National Forest stretches across parts of Franklin, Lincoln, Copiah, Jefferson, Adams, Wilkinson and Amite Counties.

Since 2014, Hollingsworth has served as Fire Management Planning Specialist. Previously, she worked in fuels, on a hotshot crew, and an engine crew. In addition, she served as Acting Fire Staff Officer for the National Forests in North Carolina. She is an active member of an Incident Management Team, serving as a Planning Section Chief Complex. Prior to joining the Forest Service, Hollingsworth worked at several sawmills and at a remote field camp in Antarctica.

“Jessica has an outstanding background and experience in fire that includes working in the state, the southern region, and nationally. We’re excited to have her take on this role and join the forest leadership team,” said Forest Supervisor Shannon Kelardy.

A native of Palmyra, N.Y., Hollingsworth received an associate degree in forest technology from The Ranger School in Wanakena, N.Y. and later received a bachelor’s degree in forest resources management and a master’s degree in business from SUNY College of Environmental Science in Syracuse, N.Y. In her free time, Hollingsworth likes to spend time with her family fishing, cooking and traveling.