Gov. Walker reappoints Preston Cole to Natural Resources Board

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker announced Tuesday, May 28th that he is reappointing Preston Cole to a six-year term on the Natural Resources Board.

“I am proud to reappoint Preston Cole to the Natural Resources Board,” Governor Walker said.  “Preston’s knowledge and depth of experience make him uniquely qualified to continue serving the State of Wisconsin on the Board.”

Cole, 51, is the first African-American elected Board chairman.  The seven-member Natural Resources Board is the policy-setting board for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  Cole was elected Board chairman at a January 23 meeting in Madison.

“I am pleased and humbled by Governor Walker’s decision to reappoint me to the Natural Resources Board,” said Cole.  “More than ever before, the Department of Natural Resources is indispensable in protecting our environment and preserving Wisconsin’s proud legacy of outdoor recreation.  As Board chairman, I will continue to work with the DNR in tackling current and future challenges we face as environmental stewards.”

Cole is currently employed as operations chief for the Milwaukee Department of Public Works.  Prior positions with the City of Milwaukee include Environmental Services Superintendent and City Forester.