Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has named Talbot County native Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio the state’s new Secretary of Natural Resources.
Haddaway-Riccio replaces Mark Belton, who is going back to his former post as Administrator for Charles County, where he served from 2012 until 2014 before joining Governor Hogan’s first-term administration.
“I sincerely thank Secretary Belton for his service to the state and wish him the best of luck in his new position,” said Governor Hogan.
Haddaway-Riccio is already a member of Governor Hogan’s executive team: she currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff in the governor’s office, where Hogan says she “has a proven track record of working to protect Maryland’s environment.”
“I know that Jeannie will be instrumental in ensuring that we continue to build on our incredible progress in preserving our state’s precious natural resources,” says Governor Hogan.
Haddaway-Riccio was a Maryland Delegate for the Eastern Shore’s District 37B from 2003 to 2015. She has also worked for the Maryland Department of Environment and the National Audobon Society. She grew up in Neavitt, on the Choptank River, and later attended Salisbury University.
“As a lifelong and proud native of the Eastern Shore, serving our citizens and protecting Maryland’s natural resources has always been my passion,” said Haddaway-Riccio.
Haddaway-Ricco will officially take over as Secretary in early February.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
