From the Desk of John R. Griffin

Dear Colleagues,

As you may know by now, last week Governor Martin O’Malley announced my nomination as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. I am absolutely thrilled to be back here, and to be working with you under the exciting leadership of the O’Malley-Brown Administration; I have already begun transitioning, and plan to be on board full time around the middle of next week.

I have always considered DNR to be the very best agency in state government – both because of our compelling mission and the extraordinary dedication of the people who work here. While I must ask for your patience and understanding over the next several weeks as you go through yet another transition, I pledge to support you and your work with my very best efforts as we face the challenge of restoring this agency to its former prominence as a natural resources leader -- across Maryland and across the country.

I’ll be sharing many more of my thoughts about the path we will be taking together after I have a chance to settle in. In the meantime, please continue to work hard, and let your managers know of any urgent issues that need to be brought to my attention.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support!

Sincerely,
John

PS After eight years away, I return only slightly worse for the wear, but hopefully a bit wiser from my travels.