CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Stephen McDaniel of Bridgeport has been named the Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. McDaniel was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to replace Bob Fala who left the position Friday.
McDaniel is a native of Bridgeport. He attended Fairmont State College and West Virginia University. He helped his family build Total Health Services of WV, a medical supply company.
“Through my family’s business, I visited nearly every county once a week. It’s how I fell in love with West Virginia,” McDaniel said in the press release announcing his appointment. “I took this job because I see the opportunity to enhance the outdoor experience for the people of West Virginia and for the people that we want to bring in here to experience the things that we love. I’ve spent thousands of hours hunting and fishing. It’s just something I love to do. I share Gov. Justice’s passion for the outdoors and what can be done with this agency, and that’s why I’m here.”
Governor Justice lauded McDaniel in the announcement.
“Steve brings both an enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and strong business background to the job, and I look forward to working with him to protect the state’s land and wildlife, and to promote tourism in our state parks system,” Gov. Justice said.
Also noted on McDaniel’s credentials was the establishment of the Mozark Mountain Tree Farm in Tucker County, a member of Trout Unlimited, and lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
McDaniel will hit the ground running. The first Natural Resources Commission Meeting of 2017 is Sunday at 1 p.m. at the DNR offices in South Charleston. He’ll preside over the meeting which includes the annual presentation by the agency of the proposed season dates and bag limits for big game hunting seasons this fall in West Virginia.