A Career Rooted in Science and Service

Ellis began his career in the 1970s with the U.S. Forest Service at the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, contributing to fine hardwoods genetics research. Armed with a B.S. in Forestry from Southern Illinois University and an M.S. in Geographic and Atmospheric Science from Northern Illinois University, he combined academic rigor with hands-on management experience. His journey spanned Illinois, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, D.C., including a notable term as a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Senate.

As BLM’s Deputy Director, Ellis managed more than 10,000 employees, bridging the gap between political leadership and on-the-ground staff. He played a central role in wildfire management, sage grouse habitat conservation, and policy implementation across millions of acres of federal land. Known for his empathetic leadership, Ellis visited field offices during crises like the 2016 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation to personally thank and encourage affected staff.

Championing Balanced Land Use

One of Ellis’s defining contributions was advancing the BLM’s approach to balanced land use. He spearheaded sage grouse conservation initiatives across 10 Western states, protecting millions of acres while maintaining room for responsible energy development. This effort became a national model for collaborative conservation, earning bipartisan recognition.

Internationally, Ellis represented U.S. land management practices at wildfire symposiums in Australia and South Africa, emphasizing global cooperation in fire prevention and response. His work consistently demonstrated that effective stewardship must integrate ecological science, economic realities, and human values.

Standing Up for Federal Integrity

After retiring, Ellis continued to defend the professionalism and neutrality of America’s land management agencies. He strongly opposed the 2019 Trump-era relocation of BLM headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Grand Junction, Colorado — a move that displaced over 170 employees. Ellis warned that such relocations “ran the career people out” and weakened institutional expertise, a view later supported by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

His critique resonates today amid renewed debates over Project 2025, a proposal advocating mass relocations and firings of career civil servants. Ellis argues that politicizing technical agencies like BLM undermines scientific integrity, public trust, and the long-term stewardship of America’s natural heritage.

Leadership Philosophy: Ethics Over Ego

Ellis’s leadership philosophy is grounded in respect, integrity, and emotional intelligence. In his 2022 essay, “12 Fundamentals of Effective Leadership,” he urged future leaders to treat employees with dignity, communicate honestly, remain calm during crises, and maintain positivity. He emphasized that “no one is irreplaceable,” but respect and trust are essential for any team’s success.

Ellis’s insights come from experience — managing wildfire incidents, navigating political pressure, and mentoring hundreds of young professionals. His approach reflects a deep belief that ethical leadership is the cornerstone of sustainable resource management.

Timeline of Key Milestones

Continuing Advocacy and Legacy

Even in retirement, Ellis remains active as Chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees and a member of the Society of American Foresters. His ongoing commentary warns against budget cuts and agency consolidations that could erode expertise vital to wildfire prevention, land restoration, and climate adaptation.

Ellis’s career is a reminder that managing public lands isn’t just about policy — it’s about people, ethics, and legacy. His voice continues to echo in debates over conservation and governance, underscoring that the true guardians of America’s public lands are those who serve with integrity, collaboration, and respect for the land and its people.