Elko Native Neil Kornze to Temporarily Lead BLM

Nevada native Neil Kornze is poised to take on the role of acting national director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a significant position within the agency. Kornze, who hails from Elko, has been with the BLM since 2011, serving as acting deputy director for programs and policy. His extensive experience includes advising Sen. Harry Reid on public lands, mining, and wildlife from 2003 to 2011.

"It is (Interior) Secretary (Ken) Salazar's intent to have Neil Kornze assume the duties of acting director of the Bureau of Land Management," Interior spokeswoman Jessica Kershaw confirmed.

Kornze, 34, will succeed Mike Pool, who is expected to step down as acting director later this week. Kornze will serve in this capacity until a full director is nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

This appointment marks Kornze as the second individual with Nevada ties to lead the BLM during the Obama administration. Bob Abbey, who served as the agency's state director in Nevada for eight years until 2005, led the national office from August 2009 until May of the previous year.

Originally published by the Las Vegas Review Journal.