John Rothlisberger

Background

About John Rothlisberger

John Rothlisberger serves as the Director of Sustainable Forest Management Research for the USDA Forest Service's Research & Development (R&D) division. His portfolio includes national coordination of research to inform forest management with respect to topics including fire, forest health, wildlife habitat, climate adaptation, and forest products. Previously, as the Budget Coordinator for Forest Service Research, he oversaw R&D's national budget, leading tasks such as budget creation, Congressional justifications, allocations to field units, program guidance, work planning, and financial management. With a 15-year tenure at various levels and branches of the Forest Service, John is a dedicated natural resources professional, upholding values of public service, scientific integrity, diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. His expertise includes forging strong partnerships and coalitions across legislative, intergovernmental, agency, academic, and public-private sectors to further scientific endeavors, inform natural resources management with relevant science, and tackle environmental challenges. His subject matter expertise and academic training are in aquatic ecology and invasive species.