Governor Brown Appoints New Parks Director

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Governor Brown has appointed a new director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation four months after the previous director resigned amid a money scandal.

Brown announced the appointment of Major General Anthony L. Jackson USMC (Ret.) Tuesday.

"Major General Jackson brings more than thirty years of problem-solving and management experience to Parks, serving most recently as the Commanding General of Marine bases across the Southwestern U.S. and tens of thousands of troops and civilians," said Governor Brown.

Jackson replaces Ruth Coleman as director of the department. Coleman stepped down in July after officials learned the department sat on nearly $54 million in surplus money for years while parks were threatened with closure over budget cuts.

"Under Major General Jackson's leadership, I am confident that the stewardship of California's beaches, forests, estuaries, dunes and wetlands is in good hands and that the confidence and trust of Californians in our Parks Department will be restored," Brown said.

This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $150,112. Jackson is registered decline-to-state.