The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board elected new officers for 2013 at its Jan. 23 meeting in Madison.

The board elected Preston Cole of Milwaukee as chair, Terry Hilgenberg of Shawano as vice chair and Greg Kazmierski of Pewaukee as secretary. Cole replaces Dave Clausen of Amery who has served as chair for the last year. Hilgenberg replaces Cole, who was previously vice chair and Kazmierski replaces Christine Thomas of Stevens Point.

The Natural Resources Board sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources and exercises authority and responsibility in accordance with governing state laws. Board members are appointed to six-year terms by the governor with the advice and consent of the Wisconsin Senate.

Cole is Director of Operations for the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works. He is a member of the “Milwaukee Green Team,” where he and his colleagues seek to create a more sustainable Milwaukee through stormwater reduction practices, energy conservation programs, waste reduction initiatives, all while creating green jobs. Cole was appointed to the board in August 2007 and his term expires May 1, 2013.

Hilgenberg is a Realtor and President of Coldwell Banker Hilgenberg Realtors® in Shawano. He has been in the real estate business since 1975 specializing in commercial real estate in Green Bay, and is a partner in Hilgenberg & Associates, Inc., an investment and development real estate company. Hilgenberg was appointed to the board May 1, 2011 and his term expires May 1, 2017.

Kazmierski has shared his passion of the outdoors for more than 30 years through a successful sporting goods business in Delafield. Kazmierski grew up on a dairy farm in rural Mukwonago, which inspired his appreciation of Wisconsin’s natural resources. Kazmierski was appointed to the board May 1, 2011 and his term expires May 1, 2017.