Preston Cole | |
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10th Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | |
In office January 7, 2019 – November 23, 2022 | |
Governor | Tony Evers |
Preceded by | Dan Meyer |
Succeeded by | Adam N. Payne (designee) |
Personal details | |
Born | 1961 (age 62–63) |
Alma mater | University of Missouri |
Occupation | Forester |
Preston D. Cole (born 1961) is a retired American conservationist and was secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources during the first term of Governor Tony Evers (2019–2022). [1] Cole previously served as the Chair of the State Natural Resources Board. [2] He was first appointed to the board by Governor Jim Doyle and was reappointed by Governor Scott Walker. [3]
Cole previously served as the Commissioner of the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services. [4] Prior to that, Cole was the Director of Operations for the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works. [5] Additionally, he previously served as the Parks Superintendent for the City of St. Louis, as well as a Forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation. [6]
Cole received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from the University of Missouri and was the first African American to graduate from the degree program. [7] Cole was involved with Future Farmers of America in high school. [8]