Tony Sanders, local outdoorsman and radio show host, was sworn in on Tuesday to the District 4 seat on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The appointment from Governor Bill Haslam was to replace David Watson, who did not finish his term.
The Sanders term is to 2021.
Mr. Sanders is an account in the insurance industry.
He recently served as chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party.
TFWC's District 4 is a 10-county region that includes Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, Meigs, Marion, Sequatchie, Bledsoe, Rhea, McMinn, and Monroe Counties, and features the Tennessee, Hiwassee, Ocoee, Tellico, and Sequatchie Rivers, several state parks, and numerous public lands used for recreation and hunting.
"I'm honored that Governor Haslam has appointed me to represent all the folks who enjoy the outdoors of this area. I've hunted and fished so many of our region's incredible lands and lakes," said Mr. Sanders who hosts Tony Sanders Outdoors, which is in its tenth year on WGOW. "I look forward to my work with TFWC to promote and preserve our area and its resources.
"I'll go to work immediately at my first meeting on May 23rd. The value of Tennessee's sporting industry to our state is not only a blessing to each resident who enjoys our rich surroundings, but also to tourists and businesses that drive our growing economy. In Tennessee, the outdoors creates jobs.
"The diverse region we enjoy in southeast Tennessee is a treasure for those who live, work, and play here. It's also a deep well for our economy. My priority will be to protect this resource for our enjoyment and use in the sporting world."
Mr. Sanders and his wife Kinah live in Soddy Daisy and have two grown children and one grandchild. His activities include membership as an NRA Life Benefactor Member, the State Executive Committee of Tennessee Friends of NRA, and the Tennessee Valley Chapter of Safari Club International. He is a founding officer of the Tri-State Quail Forever chapter, and a member of National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, and Chattanooga's Highland Sportsman's Club. Tony also enjoys professional membership in the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and the Tennessee Outdoor Writers Association.