Date: February 4, 2005

CONTACT: Jamie Thompson, Public Affairs Officer, (775) 623-1500

GAIL GIVENS SELECTED AS NEW BLM MANAGER IN WINNEMUCCA

Gail Givens has been selected as the new Field Manager of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca Field Office. Mr. Givens is expected to begin his new assignment in late March or early April. He replaces Terry Reed who retired last month. Vicki Wood, Winnemucca's Associate Field Manager, will serve as acting Winnemucca Field Manager until Gail reports to his new duty station.

Born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Susanville, California, Givens is a 1968 graduate of Humboldt State College in Arcata, California, with a degree in Natural Resources Conservation. His work experience includes 22 years with BLM in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington, D.C. and 13 years in the private sector. His current position is Assistant Field Manager, Nonrenewable Resources, at the Battle Mountain Field Office. In announcing the selection, BLM Nevada State Director Robert Abbey said, "Gail has extensive BLM and private sector experience and will be an asset to BLM in his new role."

Mr. Givens; his wife Carol and daughter Rebecca, a high school sophomore, plan to move to Winnemucca this summer.

- BLM -