New Appointment at the Alabama Department of Conservation
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) recently announced that Sherlanna Skaggs has been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey as a deputy committee member. In this role, she will be assisting in the supervision of the state’s natural resource conservation and promoting outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, and shooting sports.
Skaggs has served as the general counsel for the ADCNR since 2019. She takes over from Edward Pules, who has transitioned to a new role as the director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
Chris Blankenship, a member of the Conservation Committee, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Skaggs in her new position as Associate Director at the ADCNR. “Having worked closely with Sharanna and our legal team since she joined, I can attest she brings invaluable experience and skills. We have several exciting conservation projects underway, and her background will be an asset for us in the coming years,” he noted.
Skaggs earned her Juris Doctorate from Cumberland Law School at Samford University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature from Auburn University in Montgomery. Her legal expertise includes complex commercial litigation, and she was with Hill Hill Carter’s law firm from 2008 to 2019. Prior to that, she was a partner at Sasser Littleton for nearly a decade. Skaggs resides in Montgomery with her husband, Jess, and their four children.
“I’m honored that Commissioner Blankenship asked me to take on this role,” Skaggs commented. “Commissioner Blankenship and former vice-chairman Poolos made an incredible team. Under Governor Ivey’s leadership, they’ve achieved remarkable things across our state.”
Poolos is returning to ADEM after an eight-year tenure as the ADCNR vice-committee, where he amassed over 24 years of service, including 17 years as manager of ADEM’s Field Office in Decatur.
Poolos expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m extremely thankful to Commissioner Blankenship and Gov. Kay Ivey for their leadership and support. I learned so much during my time at ADCNR, and I’m excited about returning to ADEM to complete ongoing projects.”
During their collaboration at ADCNR, Blankenship and Poolos spearheaded a substantial outdoor recreation expansion initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s recreation infrastructure.
“Ed was pivotal in our mission to improve access to quality outdoor recreation in Alabama,” Blankenship remarked. “He will be missed, and we wish him the best at ADEM.”
The ADCNR is committed to the responsible management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four main areas: marine resources, state lands, state parks, wildlife, and freshwater fisheries. More information can be found on their website.
