Williams, AZ, November 4, 2021— Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio’s time on the Kaibab National Forest has come to an end. However, her story with the Forest Service Southwestern Region will continue as Heather moves to her new role: Special Assistant to the Regional Forester. Her experience and skills in natural resource management, as well as her commitment to relationships and collaboration, make Heather the perfect fit for this position where she will be leading special efforts for the region such as Infrastructure Bill implementation and regional strategic planning. 

Provencio joined the Kaibab in October 2015. She has since worked diligently to improve forest health and restore fire-adapted ecosystems through efforts such as the Bill Williams Mountain Project, Four Forest Restoration Initiative, and reintroducing fire on a landscape scale. Provencio’s first job with the Forest Service was in 1985 as a firefighter on the Chevelon Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and she has since served in many leadership roles throughout the agency.

 “Although my career has taken me to wonderful locations across the country, my heart belongs to the Southwest. I am thrilled that my next adventure allows me to continue serving the communities of Region 3,” says Provencio.  “At the same time, it is with a heavy heart that I move on from the Kaibab. It has been my pleasure and honor to work with so many forest staff and partners who share my passion for public lands and managing this special landscape.  Although I will miss the forest, I feel comforted knowing I’m leaving it in good hands.” 

A permanent Forest Supervisor is expected to be on board in early 2022.  In the interim, Diane Taliaferro will serve as the Acting Forest Supervisor. Taliaferro comes to the Kaibab from the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire where she is the Deputy Forest Supervisor.  Diane is no stranger to the Southwestern Region and Kaibab National Forest. She spent 10 years in the region, working on the Santa Fe and Gila National Forests as well as at the Southwestern Regional Office, during which she frequented northern Arizona for both work and pleasure.     

Provencio’s last day with the Kaibab is Friday November 5 and Taliaferro will begin as Acting Forest Supervisor Monday, November 8.