Governor John Kasich has appointed the first-ever Lake County resident to the Ohio Wildlife Council, an important volunteer body that oversees the operations and management of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife.
Confirmed as the newest members of the eight-member Ohio Wildlife Council is Stephen M. Seliskar of Willoughby.
Seliskar is the leader of the Cleveland-based Ernst & Young’s Americas Dispute Services practice.
In this capacity Seliskar is responsible “for the quality and risk management of this practice,” his company bio says.
A certified public accountant, Seliskar has provided his expertise in a wide array of subject matter.
That has included testimony on corporate transparency, automotive, contract matters, intellectual property claims and franchise disputes, his bio continues.
He also lectures and teaches on forensic accounting issues.
The Wildlife Division chief Scott Zody says Seliskar is a sportsman though “I don’t want to speak for him relative to what his favorite hunting and angling pursuits would be.”
“We received confirmation of his selection from Governor Kasich’s office late Tuesday and I contacted Mr. Seliskar (Wednesday) morning,” Zody also said. “Steve has been appointed to fill the unexpired term for Kim Davis, who resigned from the Council earlier this year.”
A registered Republican, Seliskar takes one of the Council’s eight seats reserved for citizens affiliated with that party.
Appointed by the Governor, no more than four members may be of the same political party and two of the council members must represent agriculture. Each term of office is four years, and each member is reimbursed only for actual expenses incurred, such as travel, Zody said.
“His appointment actually gives Northeast Ohio considerable representation, joining George Klein (Cuyahoga County) and Dr. Paul Mechling (Ashtabula County) on the Council,” Zody said also.
Zody said that the primary duty of a Council member is to review and approve administrative rules and regulations proposed by the Wildlife Division, which means that, by law, “they must review and vote on the proposed seasons and bag limits for fish and game each year, plus all of our other administrative rules that may be proposed.”
The Council’s Chair also serves as a member of the Department Recreation and Resources Commission, which is an advisory body to the ODNR Director,” Zody said
“While not a requirement of the job, we encourage Council members to attend and participate in various Wildlife Division sponsored events and activities, such as Fish Ohio Day and the Diversity Conference, to name just a few.”
Seliskar spoke briefly about his appointment, noting that he’ll be more than willing to sit down for a longer chat.
“I love the outdoors whether its farming, yard work, gardening, hunting or fishing; I just like being out there,” Seliskar did say. “Ohio has so much to offer, and I’m learning about that more and more. I want to take advantage of our fish and wildlife resources and also give back something to the state where I was born.”
And at least one now-retired Wildlife Division is happy to give Seliskar more than just a passing grade. "Steve is a good guy," said Kevin Ramsey, a retired Wildlife Division agent and a dedicated fly angler.
"He and I were on the board of directors together at Rockwell Springs Trout Club for many years. He should do well serving in this position."
- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
JFrischkorn@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @Fieldkorn
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