
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 31, 1990                   TAG: 9003310290
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GAME AGENCY DIRECTOR RESIGNS

James A. Remington, who brought corporate management experience to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, has resigned as the state agency's executive director.

The resignation, announced Friday, caught many people off guard who knew and worked with Remington, but it wasn't a result of problems or ill feelings, said the department's board chairman, Eli Jones Jr. of Tazewell.

"It is a parting that the board didn't want to see happen, yet I can respect his wishes," said Jones.

Remington, 59, was not available for comment. However, in a letter addressed to "Fellow Sportsmen," he said: "Earlier this year I decided the time was fast approaching when I should turn over the leadership of this agency to someone else."

He was appointed director of the department, which manages the state's wildlife and freshwater fishery resources, in May 1987. The search committee at the time said it had recommended the retired Philip Morris Co. executive instead of a career resource professional because the agency needed his management experiences.

"Mr. Remington's tutelage the last three years has the agency prepared to move into the '90s," said Henry Thomas, board member from Alexandria.

One of the first tasks Remington faced was rebuilding the agency's declining revenues, said Leo Turner, board member from Roanoke.

"He faced some pretty tough decisions. He did a great job,"

Del. Vic Thomas, D-Roanoke, who frequently worked with Remington in the General Assembly as director of the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, called him aggressive and effective. "He was a good man."

Remington, who is an avid hunter, fisherman and canoeist, frequently has traveled across the state to meet with sportsmen and staff members.

The board immediately has begun looking for a replacement. Remington's resignation is effective June 1. The search will take place within the state, said Jones.

"We are going to be looking for someone with a background in natural resources management," he said, adding that he felt there are some serious candidates within the agency.

by CNB