James M. Hughes has been named the BLM's Deputy Director for Programs and Policy, BLM Director Kathleen Clarke announced today. Hughes, who has most recently served as Legislative Director and Appropriations Committee Associate Staff Member for Congressman Joe Skeen (R-NM), rejoins the Department of the Interior, where he served in a variety of positions from 1986 to 1993.

"Jim Hughes brings to the BLM vast experience in both the Executive and Legislative Branches. He understands the policy issues we face in managing the public lands and has the ability to work with our wide variety of stakeholders," said Clarke. "He will be a valuable asset to our team."

"I am excited about this opportunity to join Director Clarke and serve President Bush and Secretary Norton," Hughes said. "I look forward to enjoying once again the privilege of working with the quality professionals in the BLM and Interior."

As Deputy Director for Programs and Policy, Hughes will address policy concerns associated with the Bureau's variety of multiple use activities, work closely with external stakeholders including state and local governments, and facilitate efforts to coordinate the Bureau's work within Interior and with other federal agencies and the Congress. He will work closely with Francis Cherry, who today was named Deputy Director for Operations.

Since 1997, Hughes has served as senior staff to Congressman Skeen, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies. Hughes developed policy positions and addressed budget issues concerning the BLM and other Interior Bureaus, and worked on other issues under the Appropriations Committee's jurisdiction. From 1993 to 1997, he worked as a public affairs consultant.

During his previous tour of duty with Interior, Hughes served in several major positions, including Deputy Director for External Affairs at the BLM, Director of Congressional Affairs for both Interior Secretaries Donald Hodel and Manuel Lujan, Jr., and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, also with Secretary Lujan.

Hughes earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from New Mexico State University and did graduate work at the University of Minnesota. He is a veteran of the U. S. Army.

The BLM, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages more land -- 261 million surface acres -- than any other federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM, which has an annual budget of $1.8 billion, carries out its "multiple use" land management mission with a workforce of about 10,000 employees.

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