U.S. Forest Service-Savannah River Announces First‑Ever Fellows

AIKEN, S.C. — The U.S. Forest Service on the Savannah River Site (SRS) has selected two employees as its inaugural 2026–2027 Forest Fellows, marking the launch of a program to develop emerging leaders.

The yearlong fellowship provides employees with leadership exposure, mentorship and opportunities to help shape future natural resource stewardship across the 310-square-mile site.

“The Forest Fellows program represents our intentional commitment to developing employees who have already distinguished themselves and are ready for broader leadership,” said Forest Supervisor Nicholas Pardi. “Eileen Eck and Kyle Cox bring expertise, curiosity and a deep dedication to public service. We are proud to support them as they take this next step and help guide the Savannah River Site Forest into the future.”

Each fellow will receive one-on-one mentorship from Forest Service leaders. Eck will work with senior leadership on the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, while Cox will engage with leaders from national forests in North Carolina.

They will also complete a capstone project focused on improving SRS forest operations, providing lessons learned from their mentorships, identifying opportunities for innovation and strengthening the forest’s stewardship practices.

Eck serves as the silviculturist on the SRS forest. In the past she worked as a resource forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation, where she was selected as the 2019 Statewide Employee of the Year. Her experience spans active land management, cross-disciplinary coordination and long-range planning.

“After completing the Forest Service’s National Advanced Silviculture Program in 2025, I am excited for this opportunity to approach leadership from a broader perspective and further develop my skills as a versatile and effective leader across disciplines,” Eck said.

Cox serves as the supervisory wildlife biologist on the SRS forest. In the past he served as the wildlife program manager on the Oconee Ranger District in Georgia, where he strengthened the red cockaded woodpecker program, led outreach efforts and expanded stewardship partnerships. Cox began his Forest Service career as a wildlife technician.

“I want to leave a positive legacy through my achievements in wildlife and forest management and through the relationships I build,” Cox said. “This fellowship represents a significant opportunity to help me reach my full potential and strengthen my ability to serve the forests and communities I care about.”

-Contributor: Joe Orosz