Governor Perdue Recommends Noel Holcomb to Serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources

            ATLANTA, GA - Governor Sonny Perdue recommended today that Noel Holcomb serve as the next Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The DNR Board will meet today at 2:00 p.m. to consider the Governor's recommendation.

            "Noel has dedicated his career to the Department of Natural Resources.  It is a privilege to recognize his service and commitment to this agency by recommending him to serve as the next DNR Commissioner," said Governor Sonny Perdue.

            Holcomb, 52, has served in the department for 26 years.  He is currently the Director of Wildlife Resources.  Holcomb earned his bachelors and masters degrees in biology from West Georgia College and State University.  He is a member of Georgia Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the UGA School of Forestry External Advisory Committee, the UGA School of Forestry Foundation Lands Committee, and the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Holcomb and his wife, Terri, have one son.

            Last Friday, Governor Perdue announced that DNR Commissioner Lonice Barrett would be joining the Office of the Governor as Director of Implementation effective August 9, 2004.