JACKSON — State Forester Russell Bozeman announced that Keith Beatty has been named the new Region 3 Regional Forester for the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC). He will replace Mike Crowell, who retired from the agency earlier this year. Jefferson, Claiborne, Copiah and Simpson Counties are included in Region 3.

“Keith has been a valuable part of the Mississippi Forestry Commission team for many years,” Bozeman said. “His depth of knowledge about the forestry industry in Mississippi will allow him to excel in his new role.”

Beatty has been with the MFC for 20 years. He started his service with the agency as a forester in Hancock County and moved up through the agency, most recently serving as Assistant Fire Chief and Rural Fire Coordinator.

As Regional Forester, Beatty will direct the day-to-day operations of the MFC’s Region 3. He will supervise foresters and rangers in 19 counties in central Mississippi.

Bozeman states, “His desire to get the job done, his ability to communicate well, and his willingness to look for ways to be efficient will be an asset to our team as we continue to provide the best possible services to our state.”

Beatty is a Mississippi State University graduate and has been married to his wife, Ashlea, for 14 years. They have two sons, Jackson (Jeb) and James.

He will officially begin his Region 3 Regional Forester duties on October 1.