This just in from the BLM:

There will be a Field Manager starting a 60-day detail at the El Centro Field Office this coming Monday, 10/18/04. Linda Hansen said that Christina (Tina) Welch will be doing this assignment and will proabably be attending the ISDRA TRT meeting on 10/21.

This 60-day detail is to cover the vacant Field Manager position for the El Centro Office created when Greg Thomsen was promoted. Linda Hansen also noted that the El Centro position was being re-advertised as the BLM was contacted by some candidates that didn't apply the first go around.

Here is an excerpt from a October 24, 2000 Press Release announcing her current position.

Christina (Tina) Welch has accepted the position of Field Manager for the Central Oregon Resource Area, which serves the John Day River Basin. Tina is currently the Engineering Staff Officer for the Deschutes/Ochoco National Forests and well known throughout Central Oregon as she and her family have lived and worked here for many years. Welch recently served as the Strategy Team Leader for the BLM and the two National Forests in Central Oregon to coordinate the Central Oregon Initiative to champion interagency cooperation.

A current bio for Tina Welch has been requested.

Heard about this a couple days ago and tried to do some research on our new "interim" big cheese.

She's been involved in a lot of what some would refer to as "citizen committees" which could be a good sign that she's interested in working with the public.

She's been in public service for quite a while... I think the press release I saw from a couple years ago said 21 years.

The impression I got from reading what I could find is that she's moved around a bit, which could either mean she feels like Goldilocks "this is toooooo soft, this is tooooo hard" and hasn't found one that's "juuuuuuust right" or she is one of those people who are relied on to take over under fire.

Looking forward to learning more. Should be an interesting meeting on the 21st.

Vicki

Not a complete bio, but Tina provided some information about herself.

I've worked for the federal government for 23 years, for both the Forest
Service and for the BLM, all in Oregon. I am a professional Civil Engineer
by training, with a Bachelor's degree from San Diego State University, and
two years with a private engineering firm in San Diego. I grew up and
lived in San Diego County for 28 years, including time living in Alpine,
Descanso, Pine Valley and Mount Laguna. My husband is self-employed, and
we have two teen-aged daughters who will remain in Central Oregon. I value
collaboration and cooperation, I demand responsibility and accountability,
and I appreciate a sense of humor. I am looking forward to returning to
Southern California, to working with the folks in the El Centro area and to
exploring that part of the world.

Tina Welch :-)
Central Oregon Resource Area Manager


It sounds like Tina expects the same things the TRT has looked for. I'm looking forward to working with her.

Welcome aboard Tina!