The ODFW local has taken an active role in following and participating in the process of choosing a new Executive Director.

   After the narrowing of the field of applicants to two (Virgil Moore and Roy Elicker), Mr. Moore made himself available for an interview with our Union. During the interview it was clear to our leadership he was a candidate we would support based on both his resume and his overview and goals for our agency.

   Following the interview and more discussion, our leadership made the endorsement for Moore as the best candidate while maintaining and respecting a high regard for Roy Elicker, the acting Director of the Agency. The decision was made without bias and with the best interests of our membership in mind.

Here's why Virgil Moore earned our endorsement:

• his sense of vision communicated to us in our interview with him

• he wants ODFW to re-establish its former place as a leader in scientific-based decision making

• his ideas for addressing funding shortfalls of fish and wildlife agencies

• his commitment to communicate with us

  We are of course, very interested in how the new director will communicate with staff. Mr. Moore indicated a desire to involve staff in decision making at all levels. We found Virgil Moore to have a natural, approachable, communication style that will go far in quickly establishing relationships with both our bargaining unit members and other agency employees, the commissioners, stakeholders and legislators. Mr. Moore demonstrated his commitment to opening new avenues of communication with staff by meeting directly with us as part of his process of being considered for the appointment.

• Virgil Moore has served for several years on numerous national and regional committees representing fish and wildlife issues. His experience in these groups will bring numerous benefits to ODFW.

     We have been absent from the experience that association with outside professional peers provides for several years. Mr. Moore wants ODFW to re-establish its former prominence as participants and leaders in fish and wildlife science at regional and national levels.

• Most importantly, Virgil Moore recognizes the importance of building a strong morale base within ODFW and has indicated a willingness to work with us to improve workplace conditions.

     One idea we heard from him is that he will establish a training program to help us prepare for promotional opportunities. Clearly there is a long way to go, but we were impressed that Mr. Moore was able to come up with a workable solution to a long-standing problem in the short time we spent with him.  That is the kind of leadership we are supporting.

Again, we support the candidacy of Virgil Moore as the new Director of ODFW.

Please let the Commissioners know that you support Virgil Moore for Executive Director.