Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Charlanna Skaggs to serve as the next deputy commissioner for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, ADCNR. Having served as ADCNR’s general counsel since 2019, Skaggs will replace Edward Poolos who was selected to be the new director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management in June.
Skaggs will work with Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship to forward ADCNR’s mission to oversee the conservation of the state’s natural resources and promote outdoor recreation. Blankenship celebrated Skaggs’ new role in an official statement.
“I have worked closely with Charlanna and our legal section since she joined the Department,” Blankenship said. “She brings a wealth of experience and valuable skills to her new position as Deputy Commissioner. We have many exciting projects currently in progress at Conservation. Her knowledge and experience will be a huge asset to the Department over the next few years.”
Skaggs holds a Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature from Auburn University at Montgomery. Before joining ADCNR, Skaggs practiced law in the private sector as a partner at Sasser Littleton from 1999 to 2008, and then with the Hill Hill Carter law firm from 2008 to 2019.
“I am honored to be asked to serve in this new role by Commissioner Blankenship,” Skaggs said of her new deputy commissioner appointment. “Commissioner Blankenship and former Deputy Commissioner Poolos have been an incredible team. What the Department has accomplished across the state, thanks to Governor Ivey’s leadership and their vision, dedication and strategic partnerships, is nothing short of amazing. I look forward to keeping up their excellent work, and wish Ed all the best in his new role as Director of ADEM.”
As deputy commissioner, Skaggs will help the ADCNR commissioner “advise the Governor and Legislature on the management of freshwater fish, wildlife, marine resources, state lands, state parks, and other natural resources” per the department’s website. APR also learned that Skaggs will continue serving as ADCNR’s general counsel in addition to her new role.
