Sam D. Hamilton

Hamilton has spent his entire career at Fish and Wildlife, serving as director of the Southeast regional office in Atlanta for the last 12 years. In that capacity he oversaw Interior's Everglades restoration work and managed the cleanup of coastal wetlands and wildlife refuges that were devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Before assuming the regional director's post, Hamilton was the service's Texas state administrator. A biologist by training, the 53-year-old Hamilton also did stints as assistant Southeastern regional director for ecological services and as a special assistant to Fish and Wildlife. Early in his career, he was detailed to the now-defunct House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. Hamilton, a Mississippi native, holds an undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University. National Wildlife Federation President Larry Schweiger described him as "the right man for the job" of directing Fish and Wildlife. "He has a proven track record in resolving conflict and constructing innovative solutions that balance the needs of people and wildlife," Schweiger said.

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