Preston D. Cole (born 1961) is a retired American conservationist and was secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources during the first term of Governor Tony Evers (2019–2022).[1] Cole previously served as the Chair of the State Natural Resources Board.[2] He was first appointed to the board by Governor Jim Doyle and was reappointed by Governor Scott Walker.[3]

Preston Cole
10th Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
In office
January 7, 2019 – November 23, 2022
GovernorTony Evers
Preceded byDan Meyer
Succeeded byAdam N. Payne (designee)
Personal details
Born1961 (age 62–63)
Alma materUniversity of Missouri
OccupationForester

Biography

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Cole previously served as the Commissioner of the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.[4] Prior to that, Cole was the Director of Operations for the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works.[5] Additionally, he previously served as the Parks Superintendent for the City of St. Louis, as well as a Forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation.[6]

Cole received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from the University of Missouri and was the first African American to graduate from the degree program.[7] Cole was involved with Future Farmers of America in high school.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Governor-elect Evers Announces Key Cabinet Appointments" (PDF). www.thewheelerreport.com. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  2. ^ "Natural Resources Board Chairman Preston Cole -- Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine -- June 2014". dnr.wi.gov. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  3. ^ "Wisconsin's Green Fire Applauds Selection of Preston Cole as DNR Secretary" (PDF). www.thewheelerreport.com. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  4. ^ "Preston Cole promises to lean on science in DNR decisions after Tony Evers appoints him to run agency". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  5. ^ "Evers picks Milwaukee leaders for top Cabinet slots". thestate. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  6. ^ WBAY (19 December 2018). "The Latest: Evers defends Cabinet picks from Milwaukee". www.wbay.com. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  7. ^ "Gov.-Elect Tony Evers names Preston Cole new DNR secretary". Outdoornews. 2018-12-19. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  8. ^ "Commissioner Preston Cole". City of Milwaukee. Archived from the original on December 21, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2022 – via Wayback Machine.
Government offices
Preceded by Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
January 7, 2019 – November 23, 2022
Succeeded by
Adam N. Payne (designee)