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DNR Secretary Announces Senior Staff Appointments
Agency veterans named Deputy Secretary, NRP Deputy Superintendent
ANNAPOLIS— Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin today announced the appointment of two veteran employees to key positions within the agency: Eric Schwaab has been named the department’s new Deputy Secretary, and Lt. Col. Alphonso “Hawk” Hawkins has been named Deputy Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP).
“We are incredibly fortunate to have these two experienced natural resources professionals stepping into these critical leadership roles,” said Griffin. “With his outstanding management skills, unique vision, and diverse experience in conservation policy and programs, Eric will play pivotal role on our executive team. I am thrilled that he has agreed to return to help DNR face the challenges – and meet the opportunities – that lie ahead.”
“Hawk comes to the NRP from the Maryland Park Service, bringing both law enforcement command and natural resources management experience to the table,” Griffin continued. “He is very well-respected by both the law enforcement community and DNR staff, and he and Superintendent George Johnson form an impressive team to lead the NRP into the future.”
A 20-year veteran of the Department, Eric Schwaab returns to DNR from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, where he has served as Resource Director since 2003. Schwaab began his career with the Department as a Natural Resources Police officer in 1983. He would go on to hold three other positions – Park Ranger, Manager of Deep Creek Lake and Chief of Resource Management for the Forest and Park Service – before becoming a key member of DNR’s leadership team. From 1992 to 2003, Schwaab served, in succession, as Director of the Forest Service, Director of Forest, Wildlife and Heritage, and Director of the Fisheries Service.
“I look forward to this opportunity to serve in support of the dedicated staff of the Department of Natural Resources, the people of Maryland, and our precious and diverse natural resources,” Schwaab said. “I am very excited to join the O’Malley-Brown Administration and Secretary Griffin in our collective effort to reinvigorate this important agency.”
Another DNR veteran, Hawkins moves to the NRP from the Maryland Park Service, where he has served for the past nine years -- seven as an assistant superintendent. Prior to joining the Park Service, Hawkins spent 21 years as a member of the Prince George’s County Police Department, achieving the rank of Deputy Chief.
“I am very grateful for the confidence Secretary Griffin and Colonel Johnson have shown in selecting me to be a member of their team for the Department of Natural Resources,” said Lt. Col. Hawkins. “I am also elated to be offered the opportunity to serve the citizens and visitors of our great state under the Administration of Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown.”
Schwaab will be transitioning to the agency over the next several weeks. Hawkins’ appointment became effective on February 5.
February 8, 2007The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov