FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2006

Contacts:
Julia Dixon
Media Relations Coordinator
(804) 367-0991

 

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J. Carlton Courter, III Named New VDGIF Director

RICHMOND, VA.–The Board of Game and Inland Fisheries announced today that J. Carlton Courter, III has been named Director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). The announcement took place at their regularly scheduled meeting.

Mr. Courter joins the agency after serving as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture since 1994. As Commissioner, he was the chief spokesperson for agriculture in Virginia. Prior to that, he worked for the Virginia Agribusiness Council for 13 years steadily rising through the ranks, ultimately serving as President of that organization from 1987 to 1994.

He earned a Bachelor's of Science degree from Virginia Tech in 1979 having majored in Dairy Science and minored in Agriculture Economics. Over the course of his career he received numerous awards including the Award of Excellence from the Virginia Society of Association Executives; the Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia Agribusiness Council; and the Distinguished Service Citation from the Agriculture Alumni Organization at Virginia Tech. Throughout his career he has served in leadership roles in state and local associations.

VDGIF Board Chairman John Montgomery said of the announcement, "We are pleased to have Carlton Courter on board. With his deep appreciation for Virginia's natural resources, and his extensive experience working with the General Assembly, national organizations, regulatory agencies, constituent groups and the public, Carlton Courter has a proven track record of leadership and will be an asset to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries."

Mr. Courter was raised in Amelia County, Virginia, on a farm that has been in his family since 1737. Currently, he and his wife, Scarlett, and their son reside in Midlothian.

Mr. Courter said of his new position, "I grew up in a rural community and have been a sportsman all my life. Consequently, I have admired the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries my whole life. It is a privilege to work with the game wardens, biologists and other fine professionals in this organization on their mission to conserve Virginia's natural resources."

Mr. Courter will begin his new position on November 1, 2006. He will fill the position currently held by Interim Director Colonel W. Gerald Massengill.

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