On June 9, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar nominated Sam Hamilton to be the next Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Hamilton is a 30-year veteran of the FWS and has served as the agency's Southeast Regional Director since 1997. The nomination, which requires Senate confirmation, has been praised by a broad array of conservation and environmental groups, reports the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI).

Hamilton has extensive experience within the FWS overseeing a programs ranging from endangered species to refuges. As Southeast Regional Director, he has provided vision and leadership for the agency's efforts in 10 states and the Caribbean. The region includes 125 national wildlife refuges covering more than 3.5 million acres, 14 national fish hatcheries, five fishery assistance offices and 16 ecological services field offices. He is an innovative leader that works to build consensus with broad constituencies to ensure the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

"Sam has vast experience with every aspect of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission, making him an ideal nominee to direct the agency," Secretary Salazar noted in his announcement. "Throughout his career, he has been an innovative leader in developing new conservation initiatives and resolving complex and controversial environmental issues. He will be a strong advocate for sound science and effective management of our nation's fish and wildlife."

Hamilton has led the FWS restoration work in the Everglades and overseen the region's response to ecosystem restoration after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which devastated coastal wetlands, wildlife refuges and other wildlife habitat along the Gulf of Mexico.

"Sam is a dedicated, respected and extraordinary Fish and Wildlife Service employee. His years of experience, both in the field and as an administrator, provide the knowledge and leadership skills to confront the challenges of the nation's largest fish and wildlife agency," commented WMI President Steve Williams, who was the FWS Director from 2002-2005. "He understands the important role of hunters and anglers and the intricacies of threatened and endangered species issues. Based on my experience working with Sam, I believe he is an excellent choice for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

Matt Hogan, Executive Director the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, echoed Williams' perspective: "The Association applauds the nomination of Sam Hamilton as the next Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service." During his 30-year career with the Service, and particularly in his role as Southeast Regional Director, Sam has been a great partner state fish and wildlife agencies. We look forward to him bringing that same attitude to the Director's chair and continuing to advance federal and state cooperation in managing fish and wildlife resources and building America's conservation legacy."

A native of Starkville, Mississippi, Hamilton received his degree from Mississippi State University in 1977. He began his conservation career working with the Youth Conservation Corps at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. He is an avid hunter and angler.

In his FWS biography, Hamilton observed: "My greatest challenge is to help bring conservationists, hunters, anglers, landowners, state and federal agencies, and business people together to help us conserve and enhance what makes America great ? our treasured wildlife resources. I am blessed with the opportunity to serve America with such a fine group of people, committed to a deeply meaningful mission, and in such a great place and time."