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Holbrook to replace McCollum as state wildlife president
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The Georgia Wildlife Federation announced that Todd Holbrook, former Deputy Commissioner of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as its new President and CEO, effective January 1, 2013.

Holbrook, of Conyers, comes to GWF after a 27-year career with Georgia's DNR, including stints as Assistant Director of the Wildlife Resources Division and Chief of Game Management. A biologist with degrees in wildlife management from the University of Georgia and Virginia Tech, Holbrook was responsible for several groundbreaking studies into the decline, recruitment and retention of hunting and angling participation.

"I am proud to be joining a sportsmen's organization with three-quarters of a century of conservation history," Holbrook said. "GWF will continue to be active in the defense of the public's rights to enjoy the public's fish and wildlife and to maintain these resources in abundance."

Through the end of the year, Holbrook and McCollum will be working with staff on a transition plan.

Holbrook is known for his practical knowledge and policy expertise, utilizing social sciences in the application of wildlife management techniques. After studying the influences of hunter satisfaction levels and deer management objectives, the state focused on offering diverse hunting opportunities and encouraging antlerless harvest, increasing hunter participation throughout the state.

"I am delighted with the choice our board made for my replacement," said current GWF President and CEO Jerry McCollum. "Todd and I have worked together for a long time and I look forward to continuing to work with him in my retirement."

Holbrook also played a lead role in the development of a comprehensive statewide deer management plan. Instead of a patchwork of reactive local and county ordinances, under Holbrook's leadership a scientifically-driven statewide management plan was enacted which maintained the quality of Georgia's world-class deer population and the quality of hunting opportunities while keeping the population in balance with the habitat.

Holbrook was also a leader in the development of the youth education programs within the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR. These programs represent a significant overlap with the nationally-recognized education programs of GWF and were clear recruiting objectives of the GWF board.

"Todd Holbrook is going to do an absolutely great job as the Georgia Wildlife Federation's next CEO," said Board Chairman Matt Nichols. "His education, experience and leadership ability alone qualify him for the position, but his great reputation, his passion for wildlife and habitat conservation and his energy and enthusiasm are what carried the day for our Board of Directors. Todd is a great person, and we look forward to working with him to ensure a bright future for the Georgia Wildlife Federation and for Georgia wildlife."

 

April 3 crash kills two young adults, injures third
Newton County Sheriff Car---WEB

NEWTON COUNTY — Around 10 a.m. on Thursday, a head-on collision on Highway 212 left two young adults dead and a third hospitalized.

Joe Navarro, 21, was driving the vehicle and Breanna Smith, 18, was in the passenger seat. Katie New, 20, sat between them.

According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle lost control while going around a curve and crossed the centerline, where it collided head-on with a box truck. The crash report shows that their vehicle traveled another hundred feet after impact before coming to a stop. It spun, ended up facing the opposite direction on the shoulder of the opposite lane.

Navarro and Smith were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. New was airlifted to Grady Hospital. Her current condition is not known. 

Navarro, Smith and New were not believed to be wearing seatbelts when the collision occurred.

The driver of the box truck was not reported to have suffered any injuries.

This is an ongoing story. The News will post updates as they are made available.