The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission unanimously elected a new chairman and vice-chairman during its business meeting July 11 to preside over the governing board of the state regulatory agency.

Jim Cogdell, of Norwood and the District 6 commissioner, will serve as chairman. John Litton Clark, of Clinton and a House Speaker Appointee At Large, will serve as vice chairman.

Cogdell replaces David Hoyle, Jr., of Dallas, who is the District 8 commissioner. Clark replaces Ray White, of Manteo, who is the District 1 commissioner.

The 19-member Commission establishes policies and regulations governing boating, hunting, trapping and inland fishing, and wildlife-conservation activities in North Carolina. Appointments to the Commission are made by the Governor, the Speaker of the State House and the President Pro Tempore of the N.C. Senate, with commissioners serving until reappointed or replaced.

As required by General Statute, at the first scheduled meeting after July 1 of each odd-numbered year, wildlife commissioners must select a chairman and a vice-chairman, who then serve for terms of two years or until their successors are elected and qualified.

More information on wildlife commissioners, meeting schedules and actions, and public hearings, is available at www.ncwildlife.org/about.