Gus Smith

Gus Smith is an experienced professional in natural resource management and fire ecology, currently serving as District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service since August 2022 and as Chief at Grand Teton National Park since January 2020. Previous roles include District Ranger at Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest, and Fire Ecologist with the National Park Service, where responsibilities included planning fire management programs. Gus has also held positions as Deputy District Ranger at Sierra National Forest and Strategic Planner for the Department of the Interior, contributing to national fire management strategies. Academic experience includes serving as Associate Professor at Northland College and teaching at the University of Minnesota, focusing on courses in biology and natural resources. Educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from the University of New Hampshire and multiple master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Northland College.