RALEIGH, N.C. (July 17, 2023) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has re-elected Monty R. Crump, of Richmond County, to serve another term as chairman of the Commission. Crump has served as chairman for the past two years. Mark Craig was elected vice chairman and will replace Thomas L. Fonville of Raleigh. 

Crump was appointed by Gov. Cooper to a six-year term as the District 6 commissioner and reappointed him for another six-year term last April. He has been on the Commission since 2017. The city manager of Rockingham, Crump owns a small farm in Mangum with his wife, Kathy. He is a lifetime North Carolina sportsman, outdoorsman and conservationist and a strong advocate for the preservation and enhancement of both the state’s wildlife and natural resources, particularly water management.   

“It’s an honor to be re-elected chairman by fellow commissioners. I’d like to thank Gov. Cooper for the opportunity to serve on the Commission. I look forward to continuing to serve the Wildlife Commission in this leadership role,” stated Crump after being re-elected. 

Craig, who is an at-large appointee by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, has been on the Commission since 2015. He is President of R.H. Barringer Distributing Company and lives in Greensboro with his wife Teresa. Craig is a strong proponent of utilizing a science-based approach to advocate for sustainable recommendations in wildlife management. The election of officers was held during the July 13, 2023 Commission meeting.

As part of its statutory authority, the 19-member commission establishes policies and regulations governing hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and lands management in North Carolina. Members serve until reappointed or replaced.