Wenatchee, WA – The Washington State Conservation Commission voted on Nov. 30 to elect a new commission chair and vice chair. Supervisors from the state’s 45 conservation districts also elected a new commission member representing the central region via a peer vote.
Larry Cochran, former commission vicechair, was elected to replace Chair Daryl Williams at the end of Williams’ term. Williams' term concluded on Thursday, Nov. 30.
As a governor appointee Williams, who was recently re-appointed to the commission, will continue in his role as commissioner. Several commissioners expressed their appreciation of Williams and his willingness to listen and have open discussions. “It’s been an honor to work with you,” Commissioner Brook Beeler said.
Cherie Kearney, a governor-appointed representative on the commission, was elected to serve as the new vice chair. “I’m delighted to step into the role of vice chair for the Conservation Commission,” said Kearney. “I’m appreciative of the leadership from former chair Daryl Williams and in-coming chair Larry Cochran and look forward to my role with the Commission to support healthy natural resources and forest and farmland throughout all of Washington.”
Also on Nov. 30, WACD elected commissioner Wade Troutman, who replaces outgoing commission member Harold Crose. Commission members expressed their admiration for Crose, commenting on how much they have learned from him, and their respect for the energy and passion he shows when dealing with watershed issues. Regarding his departure Crose said, “Wade, thankyou for stepping up and representing the central region. I know you’ll do a great job, and I’ll be watching you closely,” he joked. “It’s been a privilege and pleasure to work with all of you.”
“Wade is a new face to the commission, but not a new face to conservation work,” said Williams, the outgoing chair. “We know that he will make a superb new commissioner, and we are excited to welcome him to the team.”
During the same meeting, James Thompson was appointed as SCC’s executive director. Read more on the commission’s website, here.
“I look forward to supporting the commission under the leadership of its new executive director, as we work to make sure conservation districts have what they need to get locally led conservation work accomplished on the ground,” said new commission chair Larry Cochran.