The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) this week announced the appointment of three of its staff to new positions within the agency.

Larry G. Williamson was named as the Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Engineering Services. Prior to this appointment, Williamson was the director of the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation for more than 20 years.

Williamson replaces Richard G. Sprenkle who retired in January from the deputy secretary's position where he had served since DCNR's formation in 1995.  Williamson will oversee three DCNR bureaus: Recreation and Conservation; Facility Design and Construction; and Topographic and Geologic Survey.

A native of Parkhill, East Taylor Township, Cambria County, Williamson began his Commonwealth employment in 1969 with the former Department of Community Affairs (DCA), working as recreation adviser in charge of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program. He advanced through departmental ranks to become director of DCA's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation in 1984.

Williamson, of Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in recreation and parks administration.

Cindy Adams Dunn will replace Williamson as Director of the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Currently, Adams Dunn oversees DCNR's Office of Education, Communications and Partnerships (OECP), a role she has served since 2003.

Prior to her DCNR director role, Adams Dunn, of Camp Hill, was executive director and vice president of Audubon Pennsylvania, based in Harrisburg, for six years. She also had served as director of community relations and environmental education for DCNR from its inception until 1997. Adams Dunn holds master's and bachelor's degrees in biology from Shippensburg University.

Gretchen Leslie, press secretary for DCNR since its inception in 1995, has been named to Adams Dunn's OECP position.

Prior to serving as DCNR's press secretary, Leslie, who lives in Camp Hill, also worked as a deputy press secretary with the former Department of Environmental Resources (DER) and as communications coordinator for the Bon- Ton Corporation. She will oversee the Department's education, communication and partnership initiatives.

Leslie holds a bachelor's degree in advertising from Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in journalism from Temple University.

1/28/2005