ATTENDANCE:
Commission	Department
Lisa Pelly, Chair	Tim Waters
Kelly White, Vice Chairman	Bill Frymire
Russ Cahill	Public
John McGlenn	Bob Mottram
Don Heinicke	Jim Olson, Washington Trout
John McGlenn	Frank Urabeck
Pat McMullen
Will Roehl
Bob Tuck
Commission Staff
Debbie Nelson

The Commission met in Executive Session to evaluate candidates for the position of Director.

Chair Pelly called the regular meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.

DIRECTOR POSITION SELECTION:

The Commission had a final discussion of candidates for the position of Director for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Commissioner Roehl, Chair of the Director Search Committee, briefly reviewed the process used in the selection of a permanent Director. The Commission recently conducted a final round of interviews and has narrowed the list of candidates to two individuals: Jeff Koenings, fisheries manager for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; and Tom Spalding, deputy director for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Chair Pelly moved, seconded by Commissioner McMullen, to instruct Commissioner Roehl to offer the Director position to Dr. Jeff Koenings, with the following terms: salary of $96,468 annually, exempt position, starting no later than January 15, 1999.

Chair Pelly felt that what separated Dr. Koenings from the rest of the candidates was his knowledge of the various complex issues the Department is currently facing--the Endangered Species Act listing, salmon restoration, role of Tribal Nations, etc. She felt it was vital at this point for the Department to have someone that can immediately step in and provide guidance in moving these issues forward.

Commissioner Cahill indicated that even though Dr. Koenings has some excellent qualifications, he supported offering the Director position to Mr. Spalding who has more experience in management and administrative issues.

Commissioner Tuck supported Dr. Koenings. He has managerial experience and knowledge of the complex issues the Department is facing.

Although he was very impressed with Dr. Koenings' background in science and management, Commissioner White felt Mr. Spalding has a much stronger management background. He has served for many years as deputy director for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which is considered one of the more successful of the western states. A person with strong management skills is needed at this time.

Commissioner Roehl supported Dr. Koenings. Some of the essential qualifications listed in the job announcement for the Director position were a demonstrated understanding of complex issues, such as ESA, U.S.-Canada salmon negotiations, and the unique role of Tribal Nations; familiarity with the processes and key players involved; and the desire to establish the Department as a leader in natural resources issues. Both individuals possess the desired management skills. The most important natural resources issues facing the state today are salmon problems. Commissioner Roehl felt it would be a serious mistake not to tap into the experience Dr. Koenings has. He clearly has management experience--he has overseen a division with approximately the same number of employees and budget as the entire Arizona Game and Fish Department. When making the decision, the Commission must consider the public perception of bringing in someone from an arid state with no coast and no salmon. In comparison, the Department must work with the tribes; Dr. Koenings' relationship with the tribes is said to be outstanding. Mr. Spalding has admitted that he has not had any dealings with Arizona tribes for at least 10 years. Mr. Spalding has no knowledge of Pacific Northwest issues, players, constituents, legislators, or tribal relations. Dr. Koenings has been an instrumental negotiator for Alaska in U.S.-Canada negotiations.

Commissioner Lydig supported Dr. Koenings. Although he originally supported Mr. Spalding, Commissioner Lydig now feels the Department needs someone at this time with insight into salmon issues.

Commissioner Heinicke supported Mr. Spalding. He has displayed a very sound management style and very close relationship with his department employees. Right now one of the most important things is to improve morale of our Department employees. Mr. Spalding could probably do more to bring the merger to completion than Dr. Koenings could.

Commissioner McGlenn agreed both candidates could be successful as Director. However, he supported Mr. Spalding because of his broader experience and a proven track record with ten years as a deputy director. There are many fish experts within the Department. Commissioner McGlenn viewed this more as bringing in a captain of an aircraft carrier than bringing in someone that is the navigator. The skills that are gained in ten years as a deputy director are not attainable in any other way. Mr. Spalding has worked in Washington state and is familiar to some degree with Pacific Northwest issues. He certainly has a knowledge of the broader fish and wildlife issues in the role he has been in.

Commissioner McMullen supported Dr. Koenings. During the interview process and discussions on ESA and listing of salmon, Dr. Koenings commented that when he ran his department and made his decisions, science was his compass.

The motion carried.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Commissioner White, to reconsider the motion. The motion to reconsider the motion carried unanimously.

The motion to offer the Director position to Dr. Jeff Koenings carried unanimously.

Commissioner Cahill moved, seconded by Chair Pelly, to authorize Commissioner Roehl to offer Dr. Koenings reimbursement of reasonable moving expenses in accordance with Department of General Administration's guidelines. The motion carried unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

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Selection of Director

Motion by Pelly, second by McMullen, to instruct Commissioner Roehl to offer the Director position to Dr. Jeff Koenings, with the following terms: salary of $96,468 annually, exempt position, starting no later than January 15, 1999. The motion carried. Motion by Cahill, second by White, to reconsider the motion. The motion to reconsider the motion carried unanimously. The motion to offer the Director position to Dr. Jeff Koenings carried unanimously. Motion by Cahill, second by Pelly, to authorize Commissioner Roehl to offer Dr. Koenings reimbursement of reasonable moving expenses in accordance with Department of General Administration's guidelines. The motion carried unanimously.

Commissioners in Attendance:

Lisa Pelly, Chair
Kelly White, Vice Chairman
Russ Cahill
Don Heinicke
Dean Lydig
John McGlenn
Pat McMullen
Will Roehl
Bob Tuck