February 14th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan has appointed retired Rear Adm. Mark Belton to be head of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Hogan announced Belton's nomination on Friday to replace his initial nominee, Charlie Evans, who decided not to go ahead with the job out of health concerns. State Senator George Edwards was a finalist having been interviewed for the post last weekend. Belton retired as rear admiral late last year. He worked at DNR during Gov. Robert Ehrlich's administration. From 2003 to 2005, he served as assistant secretary of DNR. He oversaw the Natural Resources Police, finance and administration and human resources. He also oversaw licensing and registration, internal audits and the office of fair practice. Belton is a 1983 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.