"Marc comes to the Department with a great background in education and public service. His 34 years as a high school teacher, his many years as a local elected official and his term as a state representative clearly will be an asset to the Department and State of Maine," said Martin.

Michaud, a resident of Fort Kent, is a retired social science teacher and soccer coach. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in education from the University of Maine in Fort Kent, a Masters in Education Degree as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studies at the University of Maine in Orono. Michaud served on the Fort Kent Town Council for 15 years (1980 to 1995). He also served in the Maine Legislature as a State Representative during the 120th Legislature. Martin noted that Michaud is a Master Guide, is a member of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM), Maine Snowmobile Association and Maine Bowhunters Association.

"Marc is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoys fishing, hunting and snowmobiling, and will serve us well", said Martin. Martin noted that Michaud is an excellent communicator and is eager to lead the Division of Information and Education.

IFW's Division of Information and Education includes the agency's information center, the Maine Wildlife Park, recreational safety education, youth activities, natural science education, public relations and marketing. It is charged with increasing the public's understanding of Maine's inland fisheries and wildlife resources and the state's management of these resources. In 2002, the I&E Division was recognized by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for "progressive promotion of sound resource management", and received 2002 Ernest Thompson Seton Award for best conservation information program in the nation.

Currently, there are 26 full-time and part-time employees in the division, including 11 safety coordinators who oversee the nearly 1,000 volunteer instructors for the recreational safety courses for hunting, trapping, boating and ATVs. The I&E division has a budget of approximately $1.5 million. The department's overall budget is nearly $30 million.

"At a time when the department must rely solely on the revenue it generates through the sale of items such as licenses and registrations, the work of the I&E division in promoting the state and educating the public about all the department does is vital," said Martin. "In Marc, we have a person with strong leadership and management skills, and I have complete confidence in Marc's ability to lead the division and serve the people of Maine."