John Gale Selected as Program Executive for Intergovernmental and External Affairs for the BLM Western Headquarters Office
New Senior Executive to provide executive direction, oversight and Evaluation of BLM Intergovernmental and External Affairs
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GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Today the Bureau of Land Management announced the selection of John Gale to fill the new Senior Executive Service position at the Western Headquarters office in Grand Junction, CO. Gale will serve as a liaison between the BLM, other federal agencies, and western state and local governments. Gale, a 20-year policy professional with expertise in federal public land management laws, environmental regulations and natural resource management planning processes, will start on November 6, 2023.
“Throughout his career, John has been a leader in creating unique partnerships that proactively engage local communities, Tribal governments, industry, elected officials, and natural resource management agencies on behalf of responsible stewardship of our lands, waters, and wildlife,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “His achievements in government relations and conservation will help advance partnerships and coalitions vital to the work of the BLM.”
Over the past eight-plus years, Gale has served as the Vice President of Policy and Government Relations at Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, where he directed policy strategies, external affairs, and government relations in the U.S. and Canada. Most recently, he has been guiding the organization as Interim CEO.
Prior to joining Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Gale was the Director for Public Lands Policy and Regional Partnerships at the National Wildlife Federation in Denver, CO. While there, he directed wildlife conservation programs and policy campaigns on public land management and energy development issues. He started his career as the manager for volunteer operations at Trout Unlimited, where he directed grassroots conservation programs and resources to support state and local chapters and councils.
As the Program Executive for Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Gale will serve as the principal advisor to BLM senior leadership on intergovernmental and external affairs policies and issues, as well as the direction of the program and will serve as an anchor to headquarters in Grand Junction, CO. Gale will also develop Bureau plans on highly visible intergovernmental programs, supporting partnerships between the BLM, the Department of the Interior, Congressional, State, local and Tribal officials, and stakeholder and constituency groups and organizations. Gale will join the Assistant Director of National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships in the Grand Junction office.
Gale served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Environment and Natural Resources in Morocco. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.