Kelleher Takes Over As Idaho State BLM Director

The state of Idaho has a new Bureau of Land Management director. In her new role, Karen Kelleher will oversee approximately 12 million acres of public lands, representing nearly one-fourth of the state's total land area, for multiple uses including livestock grazing, mining, conservation and recreation.

“Karen Kelleher is a true professional with decades of experience contributing to the BLM’s multiple-use mission on behalf of the American people,” said Director Tracy Stone-Manning.  “We’re excited to have Karen leading our agency forward in Idaho, strengthening and expanding our partnerships with state and community leaders and being a good neighbor.”

Kelleher’s career in federal service began more than two decades ago with the BLM, serving as planner, environmental coordinator, district manager, field manager and monument manager. She has held several key leadership positions in recent years including Senior Advisor to Assistant Secretary-Land and Minerals Management, Deputy Assistant Director for Resources and Planning in Washington, D.C., and most recently served as the Associate State Director for BLM’s Arizona State Office since 2018.

Kelleher earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Union College in Schenectady, NY and a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University in Durham, NC.

With Kelleher assuming her new role, acting director Peter Ditton will return to his permanent role as BLM Idaho Associate State Director.

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