BLM welcomes Philip DeSenze as Ridgecrest field manager

RIDGECREST, Calif.- The Bureau of Land Management California Desert District has selected Philip DeSenze as the field manager for the Ridgecrest Field Office. In his new role, he oversees the management of about 1.8 million acres of public lands in Kern, Inyo, and San Bernardino counties. DeSenze joins the BLM from the U.S. Forest Service where he served as District Ranger on the Inyo National Forest since 2019. DeSenze started his position earlier this week.

"We welcome Phil in this important leadership position where he brings more than 12 years of public land management experience and understands the importance of building relationships with local communities, partners, and stakeholders to accomplish shared goals," said Shelly Lynch, California Desert District Manager.

DeSenze started his federal career with the U.S. Forest Service in 2012 as a regional planner and climate coordinator in the Eastern Region. He has held a variety of positions with the U.S. Forest Service, including Deputy District Ranger and acting District Ranger for the Kern River Ranger District, public affairs officer for the Angeles National Forest, and temporary assignments in public affairs and legislative affairs. He also served a special assignment as Deputy Associate Director for Climate Preparedness at the White House Council of Environmental Quality and a congressional fellowship focused on public lands.

"I am excited to continue my more than 20-year journey in public service and land management with a new and talented group of people and partners," said DeSenze.

Prior to his federal service, DeSenze worked for the majority floor leader in the Ohio House of Representatives, as the Governor's legislative liaison for the Ohio Lottery Commission, and as Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the White House Initiative for Tribal Colleges and Universities at the U.S. Department of Education.

DeSenze grew up on a small, family farm in Ohio's Appalachian foothills and earned his degrees at The Ohio State University. In his free time, he enjoys many activities, including getting outdoors, travel, cooking, and sports.