The U.S. Department of the Interior has appointed Dr. Robert Richardson to the position of Chief Economist. Robby Richardson is a graduate of Jena High School (1985), and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Tulane University (1989), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from New York University (1995), and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Colorado State University (2002). Prior to this appointment at the Department of the Interior, Robby was a Professor at Michigan State University, in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (2007-2022). As Chief Economist for the Department of the Interior, Dr. Richardson provides economic policy advice and economic analysis to decision makers and senior leaders. In his capacity in the Civil Service, he provides leadership, coordination, and technical review of Departmental economic analyses, ensuring compliance and consistency with Administration and Departmental policies and modern economic science relevant to the Department’s Mission.