Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Familiar Faces in New Roles for ODF in Central Oregon

Rob Pentzer, Assistant District Forester
Central Oregon District
[John Day, Ore.]  Rob Pentzer has been selected as the Assistant District Forester for ODF’s Central Oregon District (COD).  Pentzer has been part of COD since 2012, serving as the John Day Unit Forester during some very challenging fire seasons.  Rob is a graduate of the University of Idaho, with a B.S. in Forest Ecosystem Management.  He has extensive knowledge of forestry and wildland fire from his time with ODF, and his prior experience with Idaho Department of Lands.

Rob will continue to work from the John Day office as the Assistant District Forester.  His desire to remain part of the community allows for an opportunity for COD to add capacity at a higher level in this part of the District.  Rob has been a valuable leader as the John Day Unit Forester; his leadership skills and the relationships Rob has built with landowners and cooperators will serve him well in his new role.  Rob started in his new position in May. 


John Day Unit Forester Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller was selected to fill the John Day Unit Forester position vacated by Pentzer.  Ryan has been the Stewardship Forester in John Day for the last two years, working with private landowners to administer the Forest Practices Act and landowner assistance programs.  He started with ODF as a seasonal firefighter in Dallas in 1998, accepting a permanent position in ODF’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Unit in 2000 after completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Geography from Western Oregon University.  Ryan has worked in the State Forests and Private Forests Divisions, in addition to his GIS positions and his recent work as the John Day Stewardship Forester.  His diverse background in the agency and strong communication skills provide a strong base for Ryan as the John Day Unit Forester.

Ryan, his wife Elisha and their son Henry have made John Day their home.

For more information on ODF’s Central Oregon District visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.