News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2011

ODNR Division of Wildlife Names Veteran Employees to Two Leadership Positions 
 

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife announced today the appointments of Sue Howard and Tom Rowan to the respective positions of Assistant Chief of Operations and Assistant Chief of Programs.

“We were fortunate to have several well-qualified candidates apply for these key leadership positions,” said David Lane, Chief of the Division of Wildlife. “The Division of Wildlife and all Ohioans will benefit from the many years of professional experience that both employees bring to their new jobs.”

Howard has been serving as Acting Assistant Chief of Operations for the last 10 months while continuing to fulfill her duties as the division’s Executive Administrator over the Business Operations Group, a position she’s held since 1999. She began her career with the division in 1988 and has held various positions within its accounting and business sections.

“Sue has played a key role in successfully implementing the division’s new Internet-based game check and point-of-sale system,” said Lane. “Her demonstrated leadership skills in Business Operations will serve the division and its customers well, helping to ensure we continue to make the best use of the sportsmen’s dollars.”

As Assistant Chief of Operations, Howard will oversee administration of the division’s five statewide wildlife districts as well as business operations at its central office in Columbus.

Since December of 2010, Rowan was the Law Enforcement District Supervisor out of the division's Akron office where he oversaw law enforcement operations for the district’s 19 northeast Ohio counties. His other positions within the division include nine years as the wildlife officer for Lake County, three years as the wildlife officer in Ashtabula County, and three years as a cadet-training officer in Columbus. Prior to starting his career with the division in 1996, he was a patrolman for 10 years with the Chardon Police Department and a year as a park officer with the Geauga Park  District in Geauga County.

“Ohio’s sportsmen and women, and everyone who enjoys the state’s wildlife resources, will benefit from Tom’s strong leadership abilities and the qualities that reflect his outstanding background in law enforcement,” Lane said.

In his new position as Assistant Chief of Programs, Rowan will supervise the division’s four main program areas: Wildlife Law Enforcement, Fish Management, Wildlife Management, and Information & Education.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.gov.

- 30 -