|
Thompson to become DENR’s chief deputy secretary in May
Story Date: 2/22/2012
| |
Source: NCDENR, 2/21/12
Mary Penny Thompson has been named as the chief deputy secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and will begin her duties May 1.
Thompson will succeed Manly Wilder, who has served in that capacity since 2009, and who will retire effective April 30. Wilder’s retirement comes after a 43-year career working in federal and state government that includes his most recent service in DENR. Responsibilities of the department’s chief deputy secretary include coordinating the agency's budget and management functions with its programmatic activities.
“Mary Penny Thompson’s commitment to North Carolina’s environment and natural resources, along with her exemplary legal and managerial experience with the department, make her an obvious choice for this important position,” said Dee Freeman, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “Her talents and abilities have proven to be an asset to the department over the last eight years. She will help us successfully meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
“I look forward to helping Secretary Freeman lead the department through the coming year in this new role,” said Thompson. “I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to keep in touch with North Carolina’s natural resources, and to connect with coworkers and the public who work so hard to make this state great.”
Since 2009, Thompson has served a dual role at DENR, as assistant secretary for information technology and its general counsel. She has served as DENR’s general counsel since her appointment in 2005, overseeing all legal matters for the department. Thompson began her work with DENR as assistant general counsel in February 2004. Prior to joining the department, she served in the Attorney General’s Office, litigating and providing advice on coastal, water, land, soil and water conservation and licensing board issues.
Thompson obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from N.C. State University, and her law degree from Tulane University Law School, which included a specialty in environmental law. Although born into a military family that resided in Alabama, Illinois, Germany and California, Thompson found her permanent home in North Carolina in 1979. She currently lives in Raleigh.
|
|
|
|
