WORKING Ohio's Wildlife Division chief makes suddent departure; replaced immediately

The following is a letter to all Ohio Department of Natural Resources employees from the agency’s director, James Zehringer. It announces that Ohio Division of Wildlife chief Ray Petering is returning to retirement and his replacement being Mike Miller. This story is developing and likely will be updated as new information is received.

To all ODNR employees:

I wanted to make you aware of a leadership change in the Division of Wildlife as Ray Petering will be returning to retirement and Mike Miller will be the new chief of Wildlife. I appreciate Ray’s efforts and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mike has had a long and distinguished career with the Department that includes 20 years as a Wildlife officer and supervisor. He has received a number of honors for his efforts as an officer including the Shikar Safari Award for Wildlife Officer of the Year, Ohio State Grange Police Officer of the Year, Turn in a Poacher Officer of the Year and the Ohio Bow Hunter Officer of the Year.

Mike brings an experienced wildlife law enforcement perspective to the position, along with some creative ideas in regard to helping the division thrive. I believe Mike will bring energy and focus to the chief’s role that will help us provide additional opportunities and access for our hunters, trappers and anglers.

Chief Miller will assume his new role immediately, and will be meeting with Wildlife staff to share and discuss his vision for the future success of the Division of Wildlife. I know he is eager to hear from staff about their thoughts and ideas, as well as Ohio’s sportsmen and women on what their top priorities are for the near and long term future.

Sincerely,

Jim Zehringer

Director