Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed Charlanna Skaggs as deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), succeeding Edward Poolos, who was recently named director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).

According to a news release, Skaggs has served as ADCNR’s general counsel since 2019. She will work alongside Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship to oversee conservation of the state’s natural resources and promote outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing and shooting sports.

“I have worked closely with Charlanna and our legal section since she joined the Department,” Blankenship said in the release. “She brings a wealth of experience and valuable skills to her new position as Deputy Commissioner. We have many exciting projects currently in progress at Conservation. Her knowledge and experience will be a huge asset to the Department over the next few years.”

A Montgomery resident, Skaggs earned her law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and holds a bachelor’s degree in English and literature from Auburn University at Montgomery. In private practice, she specialized in complex commercial litigation. She worked as a partner at Sasser Littleton from 1999 to 2008 before joining Hill Hill Carter, where she practiced from 2008 to 2019. She and her husband, Jess, have four children.

“I am honored to be asked to serve in this new role by Commissioner Blankenship,” Skaggs said. “Commissioner Blankenship and former Deputy Commissioner Poolos have been an incredible team. What the Department has accomplished across the state, thanks to Governor Ivey’s leadership and their vision, dedication and strategic partnerships, is nothing short of amazing. I look forward to keeping up their excellent work, and wish Ed all the best in his new role as Director of ADEM.”

Per the release, Poolos served as ADCNR deputy commissioner for eight years, following more than two decades with ADEM, including 17 years as manager of its Decatur field office.

“I am extremely grateful for Commissioner Blankenship and Governor Kay Ivey for putting their trust in me to help lead the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources where I learned a lot,” Poolos said. “I look forward to returning to ADEM. I also look forward to seeing the completion of the many projects the Conservation Department is currently working on.”

During their tenure together, Blankenship and Poolos developed and implemented a multi-million dollar expansion program to improve Alabama’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. The initiative included upgrades to boating access areas, Alabama State Parks, state public fishing lakes and other facilities.

“Ed has been crucial to our efforts to improve access to quality outdoor recreation in Alabama,” Blankenship said. “We will miss him at Conservation and wish him well at ADEM.”