Preston Cole
American conservationist (born 1961)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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] Cole currently serves as director for the Department of Administration for the City of Milwaukee. [4]
Preston Cole | |
|---|---|
| 10th Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | |
| In office January 7, 2019 – November 23, 2022 | |
| Governor | Tony Evers |
| Preceded by | Dan Meyer |
| Succeeded by | Adam N. Payne (designee) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1961 (age 64–65) |
| Alma mater | University of Missouri |
| Occupation | Forester |
Biography
Cole previously served as the Commissioner of the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.[5] Prior to that, Cole was the Director of Operations for the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works.[6] 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.[7]
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.[8] Cole was involved with Future Farmers of America in high school.[9]
