Steele Named Forestry Employee of the Year

Roy Steele was recently named the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s Employee of the Year. The award is presented annually to a division employee who shows outstanding efforts and work accomplishments for a particular year. Steele received his award at the division’s annual Highland Rim District Christmas dinner held last month.

“Roy has shown great aptitude in implementing some of the division’s critical forestry services throughout his area. The citizens of Davidson, Robertson and Sumner counties are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual serving them and the natural resources in their area,” said State Forester Steven Scott.

Roy has served Davidson, Robertson and Sumner counties as a Forestry Technician since 1990. His primary duties include fire suppression, fire prevention and forest management activities.

Steele was born and raised in Hendersonville and graduated high school there in 1965. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and served in the Fire and Rescue Unit until he retired from service in 2004 at the rank of Master Sergeant.

“My interest in forestry came from the love of wildland firefighting gained during my service with the U.S. Air Force,” said Steele.

Steele currently resides in Sumner County with his wife, Kendra, who has spent 28 years also serving the state with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Together, they have two sons, Lance and Spencer, along with six grandchildren.