Leadership Announcements for Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is excited to welcome the following individuals to our forest leadership team. In their leadership roles, they will be responsible for the overall management of the unit that he or she is assigned to, including oversite of recreation, timber, fire, and other land management activities. Along with leading personnel, they will also serve as liaisons with community members, local leaders, and elected officials.

Yolynda Begay, Deputy Forest Supervisor – Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands Yolynda has worked for the US Forest Service since May 2010. Formally, she has served as the Regional Tribal Relations Program Manager for the Southwestern Regional Office and as the Mount Taylor District Ranger since 2019. Yolynda earned her master's degree in Community and Regional Planning and Bachelor of Criminology from the University of New Mexico. Yolynda is a proud member of the Navajo Nation.

Levi Irwin, District Ranger – Kiowa-Rita Blanca National Grasslands Levi comes to the Cibola NF & NGs with a BS in Wildlife & Fishery Management and previously worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service since 2009 in Clayton, NM and Dalhart, TX.

Ryan Washam, Acting District Ranger – Mt. Taylor Ranger District Mt Taylor Ranger District Archaeologist, Ryan Washam will be serving a 120-day detail as Acting District Ranger for the Mt Taylor Ranger District that started on Dec 19th.

Christian Larson, Acting Deputy District Ranger – Mt. Taylor Ranger District Pike National Forest Silviculturist, Christian will be serving a 120-day detail as Acting Deputy District Ranger for the Mt Taylor Ranger District that started on Jan 1st.

Julie Padilla, Acting Deputy District Ranger – Sandia Ranger District Sandia Ranger District Recreation Staff Officer, Julie Padilla will be serving a 120-day detail as Acting Deputy District Ranger for the Sandia Ranger District that started on Jan 15th.