Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2001

Contact: Eric Ruff 202-208-6416

Norton Praises President Bush's Intention to Nominate Craig Manson
as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish Wildlife and Parks

WASHINGTON-- Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton today praised President Bush's intention to nominate Craig Manson, a California Judge, to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The position is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate once the official nomination is made by the President.

"Judge Manson is a strong leader who will bring a wealth of experience in working with wildlife and endangered species issues," said Secretary Norton. "He has a distinguished record in government, and time and again he has demonstrated the ability to listen to all sides. Judge Manson's background in working with federal and state government will serve him well as Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks."

Manson was appointed to the Sacramento County Municipal Court in January1998, and elevated to the Superior Court in June 1998. Before that (1993-98) he served as General Counsel for the California Department of Fish and Game, where he was responsible for providing legal and policy advice to agency Director, the Secretary for Resources, and the Governor, on state and federal Endangered Species Acts, wetlands, water law, California Environmental Quality Act and other natural resource issues.

Judge Manson is also an Adjunct Professor at the McGeorge School of Law. Prior to his appointment to the Sacramento County Municipal Court, Manson worked as an attorney (1989-93) with the law firm of Downey, Brand, Seymour and Rohwer, located in Sacramento California. He also worked as outside counsel for the California Department of Conservation.

Manson, a colonel in the California Air National Guard, served as Associate Professor of Law at the U.S. Air Force Academy (1985-89). He is the founding Director of the Academy's Air and Space Law Program. He served as Area Defense Counsel (1984-85) for the U.S. Air Force Judiciary, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate (1983-84), and as International Law Advisor for the U.S. Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command, United Nations Command in Korea in 1983.

Manson is a native of Missouri and grew up in New Mexico and California. He earned his B.S. degree in 1976, from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and graduated on the Commandant's List for Military Excellence, and the Dean's List for Academic Excellence. He earned his J.D. degree in 1981, from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, with the distinguished Order of the Coif, Outstanding Graduating Senior, and Editor-in-Chief, Pacific Law Journal.

Judge Manson has served on numerous boards and is listed among the Outstanding Young Men of America, and Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. He is a member of the American Inns of Court and have received numerous military awards and decorations.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Judge Manson will become the first African-American to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

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