BLM Names Monument Manager

Contact: Larry Crutchfield  435-644-4310
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Salt Lake City, Utah—May 1, 2008—Rene C. Berkhoudt has been selected as the new monument manager for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with offices headquartered in Kanab, Utah.  Berkhoudt is currently serving in the position as a temporary appointment, and will take over reins permanently within the next two months.

“We are very fortunate to have Rene Berkhoudt as the monument manager. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in managing both people and projects; has great people skills and is very familiar with Utah and the southwest.  Rene has proven to be an excellent leader throughout his military and BLM career, and I very pleased we will be adding him to our BLM Utah Leadership team on a permanent basis,” said Selma Sierra, BLM Utah state director.

Berkhoudt has served as the acting monument manager since December, and comes to BLM Utah after serving six years in BLM’s New Mexico office.  His 22-year military career spanned the globe, giving him a wealth of experience and background. 
“My current detail as the Monument Manager for the Grand Staircase Escalante is the most challenging and rewarding position that I have held with the organization.  I am really pleased to accept this position and look forward to working with all the surrounding communities to strengthen BLM’s connections locally,” Berkhoudt said.

Since retiring from the Army, Berkhoudt served for one year with the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department  for the state of New Mexico, and six years with the Bureau of Land Management in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Berkhoudt received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland in 1986 and a Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1999 in the field of Human Relations.  Berkhoudt and his wife Elizabeth have one adult daughter.