Jerri Marr, ’92

Jerri Marr, ’92, a graduate of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries has dedicated her career to the protection and care of the nation’s forests. Today, she does so from Washington, DC in her role as assistant director of recreation, heritage, and volunteer programs with the US Forest Service.

Marr began her connection with the UT Institute of Agriculture at an early age through 4-H youth leadership before pursuing her degree in forestry.

“She seems to be always finding ways to give back to UT,” said Lisa Muller, a professor in the department. “It is clear she is making a difference for natural resources and land management.”

Marr has worked across the nation maintaining and protecting our national forests. During her time as supervisor of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests in Colorado, Marr became the public face of compassion as the forest service fought the Waldo Canyon fire in June 2012. The worst wildfire in Colorado history at the time, the Waldo Canyon fires caused the evacuation of more than 32,000 residents of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. Marr gave press briefings with a cool, collected demeanor that turned her into an overnight sensation.

“I was just doing my job,” she said. “I couldn’t have imagined all that would come out of it.”

Marr left Colorado in 2014 to broaden her efforts nationally. In 2017, she was selected as a White House Leadership Development Fellow, which gives the next generation of senior executive leadership access to cross agency experience.