MADISON — Fred Souba Jr. has been appointed Chief State Forester by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The 40 year forest industry veteran will also serve as administrator for the DNR Division of Forestry.
Currently the owner and Senior Consultant of ProVision Forestry LLC, Souba brings a vast and unique set of skills and forestry experience to the position. Souba has been the chair of the Wisconsin Council on Forestry (exit DNR) for seven years. He has served as Vice President of Wood Supply and Sustainability for NewPage Corporation, which operated pulp and paper mills in Kentucky, Nova Scotia, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin and he brings an international perspective to the position having been the Vice President of Wood Supply U.S. for Stora Enso North America.
“We are fortunate to have found someone with Fred’s diverse forestry background and dedication to sustaining one of the state’s great resources,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. “The citizens of Wisconsin can rest assured that our 16 million acres of forestland will be in good hands. Fred’s experience will help guide the management of these acres to keep them sustainable and economically viable.”
In addition, to his leadership on the Council on Forestry, Souba has served in a variety of leadership positions in forest management, forest product manufacturing operations, and administration. He has also been a recipient of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ‘Friend of Forestry’ Award and University of Wisconsin Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Paper Industry Leadership Award. Souba begins his new position the week of Nov.14, 2016.
“It is a privilege to be appointed as Chief State Forester and to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen and improve the Division of Forestry.” Souba said. “I am looking forward to working with DNR staff to listen and learn about the forestry programs and engaging stakeholders on their perspectives about forestry in Wisconsin.” he concluded.
Souba was born in Minnesota and moved to Wisconsin shortly after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. degree in Forest Management and Administration. He and his wife Connie reside in Wisconsin Rapids. They have two married children and eight grandchildren.