Most theories on effective leadership tell us this: For any new leader, selecting the right people to work with you is half the battle. The caliber of the people picked by a new leader also says a lot about that new leader’s judgement and priorities.

Maine’s newly appointed Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, Chandler Woodcock, recently announced his choice of people for three new staff positions that are critical slots on his administrative team. Maine’s serving Chief Warden, Col. Joel Wilkinson, was reappointed as head of the Maine Warden Service. Named head warden in 2008 by the former MDIF&W commissioner, Wilkinson was a good choice then, and is a good pick for the future. In 2006 and 2010, Col. Wilkinson received the William Twarog Award – Manager of the Year, a department honor given for exemplary service in the protection of Maine’s fish and wildlife resources. He has shown himself to be an excellent communicator, a thoughtful leader, and a highly competent law enforcement officer.

Edie Smith was named as director of the information and education division of MDIF&W. Smith is owner and president of Maine Directions, Inc., a political and public relations consulting firm that specializes in the management of political campaigns, legislative monitoring and lobbying. In 2004, she managed the campaign to defeat the anti-bear hunting referendum question, and has worked with the Maine Professional Guides Association, Small Woodlots Owners Association of Maine, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the Maine Forest Products Council and other outdoor recreation groups. During the bear referendum battle, she proved to be a true friend of Maine sportsmen and a highly capable planner and organizer. Another solid choice.

Of the three staff appointments, the commissioner’s selection of Andrea Erskine to serve as deputy commissioner — a key position — was the boldest and most imaginative. She will be the first woman in history to serve as the Fish and Wildlife Commissioner’s “right hand man.” A career MDIF&W employee, Erskine served as assistant to the commissioner for 20 years, playing a key role in the administration by providing input on policies and procedures, serving as regulations officer and legislative liaison, attending public hearings and work sessions, and working closely with the staff at the Office of the Governor. Prior to this post, she was licensing department supervisor.

The most effective deputy commissioners are hands on, nuts- and-bolts managers who know the terrain and how best to work closely with a vast array of constituents, including state legislators. George Smith, the former director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM), said this about the Erskine appointment: “Andrea Erskine is a great choice for Deputy Commissioner. She’ll lead the department’s effort at the legislature, where she’s been doing a superb job as the department’s legislative liaison for years. Legislators know and have confidence in Andrea. She knows the personnel and all of the department’s internal issues and concerns. She’s on top of the rule-making process. She’s popular, tough, competent, knowledgeable, and personable. And it’s very good to see a woman in this important position at DIF&W.”

We echo his sentiments.

As most informed sportsmen realize, Commissioner Woodcock has taken over our Fish and Wildlife Department in the hardest of times. He will need vision, courage and toughness — and a talented staff — to get things back on track at MDIF&W. These new appointments are an encouraging start.

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide, co-host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network (WVOM-FM 103.9, WCME-FM 96.7) and former information officer for the Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. His e-mail address is [email protected].