Florida FWC Commissioners Elect New Chairman, Vice Chairman
At its meeting Thursday in Palm Beach Gardens, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) elected Vice Chairman Kenneth Wright to serve as Chairman, effective July 1.
“Ken’s lifelong connection with the outdoors in Florida makes him a valuable resource to this Commission,” said Commissioner Brian Yablonski. “He is invested in making sure that our next generation has the same opportunities that he has had to enjoy our wildlife heritage.”
“I am honored to be elected to serve as Chairman of this dedicated group of Commissioners,” said Wright. “All of us take this calling with great sincerity. Much lies at stake for the legacy we leave all Floridians.”
The term of Chairman is one year. Wright, of Winter Park, has served on the Commission since August 2007.
After testimonials and praise highlighting her service as Chairman from her fellow Commissioners, Kathy Barco, of Jacksonville, was elected Vice Chairman.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with Chairman Wright and my fellow Commissioners,” said Barco. “As stewards of our fish and wildlife resources, the Commission has important opportunities ahead of us.”
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came into existence on July 1, 1999 - the result of a constitutional amendment approved in the 1998 General Election as part of the package proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission.
In the implementation of the Constitutional Amendment, the Florida Legislature combined all of the staff and Commissioners of the former Marine Fisheries Commission, elements of the Divisions of Marine Resources and Law Enforcement of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and all of the employees and Commissioners of the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
Five years later, after consulting stakeholders, employees and other interested parties, the FWC adopted a new internal structure to address complex conservation issues of the new century. The new structure focuses on programs, such as habitat management, that affect numerous species. It will focus on moving the decision-making process closer to the public and did not require any additional funding or additional positions.
