Christine McMorrow

Deputy Director McMorrow joined CAL FIRE as an Information Officer I in February 2020, focused on Resource Management topics. In 2022, she promoted to Information Officer II, where she served as a member of the Communications Leadership Team, responsible for Resource Management, Office of the State Fire Marshal and other special communications topics. 

Her first experience with forestry and fire began in 1989 as a seasonal fire fighter on the Stanislaus National Forest Bald Mountain Helitack crew. The experience stuck with her as she transitioned to a career in nonprofit environmental education developing hands-on programs for K-12 youth on the topics of forest health, fire science, water quality, watershed protection and agriculture. 

From 2002-2012, Deputy Director McMorrow served as the Executive Director for Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships in the Tahoe-Truckee region. During this tenure, she engaged land managers, researchers, teachers, parents and volunteers through educational events and hands-on, outdoor learning experiences designed to foster behavior change and build community. From 2013-2019, she served as the Director of Development and Communications at the Center for Land-Based Learning where she led a statewide strategic communications effort, fostered donor relationships, and supported a capital campaign fundraising effort. 

Deputy Director McMorrow is active in her community, volunteering for several organizations that focus on youth and the environment. She earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Crop Science from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Sierra Nevada College.  She enjoys mountain biking, camping, and water sports. 

This position will work in partnership with Deputy Director Nick Schuler and together they will lead the Communications Program. We will continue to operate with two Communications Deputy Directors to balance the growing workload and advance the Department’s expansive and diverse mission.