There’s a new person in charge of Mississippi’s prescribed burn program, which is one of the largest in the U.S.
Jessica Hollingsworth was announced on Wednesday as the National Forests in Mississippi’s fire state officer, a position that oversees and coordinates Mississippi’s prescribed burn program. She enters the role with 20 years of experience in natural resources.
“The National Forest in Mississippi’s fire program has a great reputation nationally,” Hollingsworth said. “It’s an honor to step into this role. I look forward to working closely with our employees as well as our partners.”
Since 2014, Hollingsworth has served as a fire management planning specialist with National Forests in Mississippi, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Previously, she worked in fuels, on a hotshot crew, and an engine crew. In addition, she served as acting fire staff officer for the National Forests in North Carolina.
Hollingworth is an active member of an incident management team, serving as a planning section chief complex. Before joining the USDA Forest Service, she worked at several sawmills and a remote field camp in Antarctica.
“Jessica has an outstanding background and experience in fire that includes working in the state, the southern region, and nationally,” Forest Supervisor Shannon Kelardy said. “We’re excited to have her take on this role and join the forest leadership team.”
Hollingworth is a native of Palmyra, N.Y. who moved to the Jackson metro area in February 2009.
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