February 10th, 2019 by WCBC Radio
Governor Larry Hogan has appointed Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio as the Secretary of Natural Resources. Haddaway-Riccio currently serves as a Deputy Chief of Staff in the governor’s office, where she advises on environmental-related issues.
“Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio has been a strong member of my executive team since day one and has a proven track record of working to protect Maryland’s environment,” said Governor Hogan. “I know that Jeannie will be instrumental in ensuring that we continue to build on our incredible progress in preserving our state’s precious natural resources.”
Haddaway-Riccio was previously Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Hogan, where she served as the governor’s liaison to local governments, including working with the Maryland Association of Counties and the Maryland Municipal League. Previously, she served as District 37B Delegate from 2003 to 2015, where she was a member of numerous committees including the Economic Matters Committee, the Joint Committee on Federal Relations, and the Legislative Policy Committee. She also served as Minority Whip from 2011-2013. In addition, Haddaway-Riccio has worked for the Maryland Department of Environment’s Air and Radiation Management Administration, as well as the National Audubon Society.
“As a lifelong and proud native of the Eastern Shore, serving our citizens and protecting Maryland’s natural resources has always been my passion,” said Haddaway-Riccio. “I would like to thank Governor Hogan for this exciting opportunity, and look forward to helping further the administration’s environmental agenda in my new role.”
Haddaway-Riccio will replace Secretary Mark Belton, who is returning to his former post as Charles County Administrator. Belton previously served in the role from December 2012 to December 2014, before joining the Hogan administration at the start of the governor’s first term in 2015.
“I sincerely thank Secretary Belton for his service to the state and wish him the best of luck in his new position,” said Governor Hogan.
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February 11, 2019 at 7:18 pm, carol kilmon said:
Jeannie Haddaway Riccio is an excellent choice for this position and I am thrilled for and feel it is a well deserved move for a very intelligent and dedicated woman.
Jeannie is a St, Michaels hometown girl who went to school with my kids…It is a good feeling to see her in a position she worked hard for and will serve the people of Maryland to the very best of her ability…
Many congratulations Jeannie…I’m one of many who are very proud to know you!
October 03, 2020 at 11:33 am, Kyle Lowe said:
Jeannine- I have worked for the park system in Prince George’s County for over 25 years and love using our park system in BC County. I have used Patapsco State Park off Rt 1 my entire life.
This year in the middle of COVID DNR Park Rangers and Natural Resource Police decided to block six (6) access points around our Parks. The one that is heavily used is off of River Road and Thistle. This was done by County officials with their requests. When talking to County officials it was revealed that it was largely done to limit Hispanic park uses which is highly inappropriate.
We have spent tens of millions of dollars on the bridge off Thistle, pedestrian trail, and removal of dam with landscaping. Now tax payers cant access the park from this point because both Howard County and BC County has restricted this area with NO Parking signs and heavy enforcement. Again from DNRs request. I watch on a regular basis as family park to walk the trails and return to have a ticket and/or vehicle is towed.
Lastly, please add trash cans back into your parks. From someone who has extensive Park management experience in the most recognized Park and Recreation Agency (M-NCPPC/ Parks & Recreation/ PG) this only creates more liter issues and is easy to resolve by having trash cans for people. State Parks aren’t like they were 5-10-15 years ago. They are 10X more used and crowded, so adjustments in your policies should be considered.
Good luck in your new role- Kyle Lowe