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California Secretary for Natural Resources Mike Chrisman

A fourth generation Californian and San Joaquin Valley resident, Mike Chrisman was named California Secretary for Natural Resources by Gov. Schwarzenegger in November 2003. As a member of the governor's cabinet, Chrisman serves as his chief advisor on issues related to the state's natural, historic, and cultural resources. He also chairs the California Ocean Protection Council, Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the Stewardship Council.

In leading the Natural Resources Agency, Chrisman oversees the policies and activities of 25 departments, commissions, boards and conservancies. The issues run the natural resources gamut from conservation, water, fish and game, forestry, parks, energy, coastal, marine and landscape.

Prior to his appointment, Chrisman served as Region Manager for Southern California Edison from 1996 to 2003. There he managed all phases of company and customer business, and the political and civic activities in Edison's San Joaquin Valley service area. He served as Undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) from 1994 to 1996 during which time he provided leadership in the development and implementation of sound policy for the state's agricultural industry and consumers. Chrisman's lifelong commitment to family ranching proved invaluable in the development of policies to sustain the Central Valley's economy.

In 1997, Gov. Pete Wilson appointed Chrisman to the California Fish and Game Commission, where he also served as Chairman of the Wildlife Conservation Board. From 1991 to 1994 he served at the Natural Resources Agency as Deputy Secretary for Operations and Legislation in the Wilson Administration. From 1986 to 1991, Chrisman served as Chief of Staff to former Assemblyman Bill Jones, managing the Central Valley member's State Capitol and district offices and specializing in agriculture, water and environmental issues.

Throughout his career, Chrisman has been known as the ‘go to’ person to facilitate solutions for local and regional challenges. Often behind the scenes, he has been responsible for incalculable positive impacts throughout the region in many far-reaching ways. His commitment to the agriculture industry combined with his unwavering passion for protecting the state's natural resources, has established the foundation from which he has been able to provide bold and compassionate environmental leadership.

Chrisman holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy and Plant Science from the University of Arizona. He is an owner and partner of Visalia's Chrisman Ranches, a family ranching and farming business in Tulare County.

He and his wife Barbara have two children and five grandchildren.

E-mail Secretary Chrisman