Noel Holcomb has been appointed as the new head of the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources.
Acting on the recommendation of Governor Sonny Perdue, the Board of Natural Resources today named Noel Z. Holcomb as the new Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The appointment will become effective on August 9, 2004.
Mr. Holcomb will replace Lonice C. Barrett who has been selected by the Governor to head the implementation of recommendations generated by the Commission for a New Georgia. Barrett has served as DNR Commissioner since May 1995.
Unlike Tennessee, Georgia's DNR includes several different departments including state parks, environmental protection, wildlife & fisheries and others.
Mr. Holcomb has worked for the DNR for more than 26 years, and has served as the Director of DNR's Wildlife Resources Division since September 2003.
"The Board is pleased to name an individual to this important position that has a strong history of service to the agency and knowledge of natural resources issues," said Robert J. Rutland, Chairman of the Board of Natural Resources. "Noel will have some big shoes to fill, but we are confident that he has the leadership and the experience to effectively guide the agency in the coming years. Governor Perdue has recommended an outstanding career public servant."
As Commissioner, Holcomb will be responsible for the daily operations of the Department, which will involve overseeing the management and conservation of Georgia's wildlife, the operation of over one million acres of wildlife management areas and public fishing areas and state parks, the protection and conservation of coastal marshlands, the preservation of historic resources, and the implementation of environmentally sound business practices for industry.
In addition he will work closely with Carol Couch, Director of DNR's Environmental Protection Division on environmental regulations including water and air quality. Holcomb will serve as the primary contact for the agency with the Board of Natural Resources, the Governor, and state legislators.
"I am extremely excited about this new opportunity and look forward to working with the Board of Natural Resources and the great people that are part of the Department of Natural Resources to meet our goals of sustaining natural resources, building a conservation ethic and creating workforce excellence throughout the agency," said Holcomb.
Holcomb started his DNR career in September 1978, and holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from West Georgia College. In addition to the position of Director and Assistant Director with the Wildlife Resources Division, he also has worked as the manager of Ossabaw Island, a wildlife technician supervisor in northeast Georgia, a senior wildlife biologist and manger of Sapelo Island, and a game management supervisor in northwest Georgia. Holcomb is certified as a deputy conservation ranger by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.), and also is a P.O.S.T. certified instructor.
Holcomb currently lives in Watkinsville with his wife, Terri, and son, Zane.