As a member of the state House of Representatives, Williams has served on both the Natural Resources and Environment and the Game, Fish and Parks committees. Effective immediately, he succeeds Chris Clark as DNR Commissioner.

"We are pleased to approve Mark Williams as this agency's new Commissioner and we look forward to working with him," said Board of Natural Resources Chairman Jenny Lynn Bradley. "DNR's charge to protect and conserve Georgia's natural and cultural resources is a huge responsibility, and we know that Mark will follow in the footsteps of his predecessors as an advocate for these resources." Under state law, the DNR Board appoints both the Commissioner and the Director of the Environmental Protection Division with the approval of the governor.

As DNR Commissioner, Williams will oversee an agency comprised of more than 2,500 employees that is responsible for the management and conservation of Georgia's wildlife, the protection and conservation of coastal marshlands, the preservation of historic resources, and the implementation of environmentally sound business practices for industry. DNR operates over one million acres of public lands to protect wildlife diversity and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. In addition, DNR enforces the laws that regulate the protection and use of Georgia's natural resources, including hunting, fishing and boating.

“Georgia is blessed with an amazing diversity of natural and cultural resources,” said Mr. Williams. “I look forward to serving the people of Georgia to ensure that these resources are conserved for current and future generations.”

Williams is a successful businessman and former school teacher. He holds a bachelors degree in biology from Georgia College and State University and served in the Army National Guard throughout college before working his way up to 1st Lieutenant when he was 22 years old. Married for more than 24 years, Mark and Pam Williams have two daughters, Mary Katelyn and Miranda, and are members of Unity Church of God in Jesup.

News Source: Georgia DNR - Dec. 08, 2010