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Office of Public Affairs 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 202/208 5634 Fax: 202/219 2428 |
January 30, 2002 Megan
Durham 202-208-4131 or 5634
STEVEN
A. WILLIAMS CONFIRMED AS
DIRECTOR
OF U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Secretary of the
Interior Gale Norton today praised the Senate’s confirmation of Steven A.
Williams as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Williams will lead the nation’s primary
wildlife conservation agency with more than 7,500 employees and a 2002 budget
of $1.27 billion.
“With his extensive
background in State wildlife agencies, Steve Williams brings with him the kind
of experience and knowledge that will allow him to consult and work cooperatively with the States and our
other partners to conserve our nation’s fish and wildlife,” Norton said.
“Americans care
deeply about fish and wildlife,” Williams said, “and I am dedicated to
continuing our nation’s long tradition of conservation and to assuring the
future of our wildlife heritage for our children.
“I am honored to
have been chosen to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service faces many challenges, but it
has the great asset of a dedicated and talented staff, “ Williams said. “I look forward to strengthening our
partnerships and finding common sense approaches to conservation issues.”
Williams has been
Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks since 1995. His former positions include Deputy
Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission from 1992-1995;
Assistant Director for Wildlife for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife from 1989-1992; and a wildlife biologist specializing in research and
management for white-tailed deer for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
and Wildlife from 1985-89. He served as
a graduate teaching assistant at The Pennsylvania State University from
1981-85, working on wildlife habitat analysis, and also worked as a graduate
teaching assistant at the University of North Dakota from 1979-81.
Williams earned a
doctorate in forest resources at The Pennsylvania State University, University
Park; a master of science degree from the University of North Dakota at Grand
Forks; and a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management, also from
The Pennsylvania State University. He
is a member of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the
Wildlife Society, and other professional and conservation organizations.
By law, the Director
of the Fish and Wildlife Service must have a scientific education as well as
experience in fisheries and wildlife management.