Local News

Jim Brown named WDFW North Central regional director

May 28, 2013

Jim Brown, a sergeant in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife enforcement program, has been named regional director for the agency’s North Central region based in Ephrata.

Brown, who has worked as a fish and wildlife enforcement officer since 1992, will begin his new job June 3, overseeing all WDFW work in Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties.

“Jim Brown is a problem solver, who knows how to bring people together to find common solutions,” said WDFW Director Phil Anderson. “He’s direct, organized and very knowledgeable about the region’s issues from the years he’s spent in law enforcement. I look forward to working with Jim in his new capacity as regional director.”

Brown, 48, succeeds Dennis Beich, who is retiring after serving as WDFW’s Region 2 director since 2000.

Through his experience as a law enforcement officer and supervisor, Brown has been involved in issues ranging from salmon management, habitat protection and hydropower mitigation to resolving public conflicts with cougars and bears. He has also played an active role in developing fish and wildlife policies and building partnerships with area tribes.

“Enforcement officers are on the front line of a lot of contentious issues,” Brown said. “But whether you’re in a board room or talking over the tailgate of a pickup, the important thing is to listen and look for ways to address people’s concerns. That’s a skill I can bring to this position.”

In his current position, Brown has been a member of the Okanogan County Dangerous Wildlife Task Force, a multi-agency Homeland Security planning team and a cooperative fisheries enforcement effort with the Colville Tribe on Lake Rufus Woods. He has received a number of awards for his job performance during his career at WDFW.

Brown completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Washington State University in 2010, with coursework in public policy development and natural resource issues. He and his wife, Katherine, have two daughters.