Karen Kelleher

Karen Kelleher, who has been Idaho State Director since March 2022, has more than 20 years of experience in public lands management, conservation, renewable energy and cultural preservation. She has served in leadership roles within the Department of the Interior and BLM, including Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Deputy Assistant Director for Resources and Planning in Washington, D.C., and as the Associate State Director for BLM’s Arizona State Office.

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

In her role as Deputy Director for State Operations, Kelleher leads 12 state directors and is responsible for managing and directing state operations, encompassing conservation, recreation and commercial uses on both the surface and subsurface estate. Her role is integral to forming and implementing Bureau objectives, policies and programs at the state and regional levels.