A frequent criticism of federal, state and local government officials is that they do not always know how their actions affect everyday people.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) may have just dealt with that problem with a dose of preventive medicine.
Charlie Gray, a real fisherman and a lifelong Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast user, has been appointed to the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board.
The Dauphin Island native can now be the voice of fishermen in Montgomery.
Governor Kay Ivey appointed Gray to complete Gary Wolfe's current term on the board. Wolfe, of Fairhope, resigned in April 2025.
Charlie Gray checks all the boxes if you're looking for an advisory board member who is local, local, local.
He is a native of Dauphin Island, Alabama's little piece of the Caribbean.
He serves on the Dauphin Island Planning Commission.
He serves on the Dauphin Island Board of Adjustment, Industrial Development Authority and Heritage and Arts Council.
He is a trustee of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation.
He worked with the Mobile County Wildlife and Conservation Association.
He is a 1988 graduate of the University of South Alabama.
He has more than 45 years of experience fishing the Gulf Coast.
He is a certified charter boat captain by the International Game Fish Association.
He is the vice president and manager of underwriting for Surety Land Title, Inc.
He was the costumed mascot for the Mobile Bay Bears baseball team, delighting the children at games. (Does that point need to be on this list?)
"Charlie is an excellent addition to the Conservation Advisory Board," said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the ADCNR. "His fishing expertise in Alabama's coastal waters will bring a wealth of knowledge and outdoor recreation experience to the Board. I would also like to thank Gary Wolfe for his service to the Board and wish him well in his future endeavors."
"It is an honor to receive this appointment from Governor Ivey," Gray said. "I have worked with Commissioner Blankenship and department staff on several marine resources projects over the years, and I'm eager to learn more about the department's conservation efforts. I look forward to working with the other board members in support of Alabama's natural resources."
Ivey also reappointed two current board members to new terms: Raymond Jones, Jr., of Huntsville and Jeff Martin of Talladega.
The Conservation Advisory Board is composed of 10 members appointed by the governor for alternating terms of six years and three ex-officio members: the governor, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries and the director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. ADCNR's commissioner serves as the ex-officio secretary of the board.
The board assists in formulating policies for ADCNR and examines all rules and regulations. The board also helps in publicizing the Department's programs and activities.
ADCNR promotes good stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.
"When Montgomery considers something that would affect the fishermen, you will now have one right there to advise." —Charlie Gray.
Jim' Zig' Zeigler's beat is colorful and positive about Alabama — its people, places, events, groups, and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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