Kate grew up in southeast Ohio, a coal miner’s daughter, surrounded by diverse hardwood forests. Her first job in the western states was with the Student Conservation Association in northern Idaho. Kate earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of Idaho with a minor in Sociology.
Kate gained experience working in Washington and Alaska for public and private landowners with a focus on reforestation and harvest planning. She also continued her education earning a certificate of Public Administration at Portland State University.
Kate was hired in the mid-90’s by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Over her 27-year career, Kate has held a variety of positions on the north coast and in 2014 promoted to Tillamook District Forester. She has also filled the responsibilities of State Forest Division Chief and Deputy State Forester. Kate was selected as Interim State Forester for Oregon in January of this year.