AUGUSTA, Maine -- Jim Connolly was named Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Monday, replacing retiring Deputy Commissioner Andrea Erskine. Connolly first joined the Department as a wildlife biologist in 1980 and currently serves as IFW's Director of the Bureau of Resource Management.

As director, Connolly oversees the wildlife division, the fisheries and hatcheries division, and the program services division. In his new role of acting deputy commissioner, he will manage the day to day operations of the department which includes the bureau of resource management, the bureau of warden service, the information and education division, and the engineering division.

"Jim's expertise and experience will be an asset in his new role as acting deputy commissioner," said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. "His knowledge of the department, its personnel, and his ability to work with the public will serve the state of Maine well in his new position."