Tony Andersen

Tony Andersen serves as the Executive Officer for the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Tony has spent his career addressing some of the Western United States’ most pressing natural resources issues through strategic communications and policy efforts. He began his career in Oregon working on natural areas and outdoor equity policy in the Metro Council Office at Portland’s Regional Government. He has held high-profile roles in public opinion research and environmental public health, led public affairs for the Oregon Department of Forestry, oversaw communications for the Portland Water Bureau, and helped lead Oregon’s task force charged with recovering from the 2020 wildfires. He was appointed by Governor Newsom in 2022 to manage strategic communications on issues related to forestry, natural resources, and climate at CAL FIRE. He also served as the Deputy Secretary for Communications at the California Natural Resources Agency prior to his current role as the Executive Officer to the Board. Tony holds a bachelor's degree in public policy and creative writing from the University of Oregon and a master's degree in strategic communication and writing from Portland State University.