Nature Conservancy Director Selected to Head DLNR

Suzanne Case has been chosen to take the helm at the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Photo credit: John DeMello.

By Maui Now Staff

Governor David Ige today announced the nomination of The Nature Conservancy executive director, Suzanne Case to head the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

In March Governor Ige withdrew his controversial initial nomination of Carleton Ching as chairperson of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.  The action came after the Senate committee on Water and Land voted five to two, not to confirm Ching as Chair.

In a press release announcement, Governor Ige said, “Suzanne shares my vision of wise stewardship of Hawai‘i’s public and conservation lands and waters, for excellence in government to make the most of our limited resources, and for collaboration and inclusion in carrying out the many responsibilities of the DLNR and the State of Hawai‘i for the benefit of all.”

Case also commented in the announcement saying, “I am truly humbled at the prospect of serving Hawai‘i as Chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and honored by the confidence Governor Ige expresses in me in putting my name forth as his nominee. I look forward to meeting with our senate leadership for their consideration of my confirmation.”

Case is a 28 year veteran of The Nature Conservancy, serving the past 14 years as executive director.  In her role, she oversees operations in Hawaiʻi which includes 16 preserves totaling 53,000 acres.

She holds a law degree from Hastings College of the Law at the University of California, San Francisco, and an undergraduate BA degree in History from Stanford University.  Case grew up in Hawaiʻi and attended Punahou School.