Schweitzer replaces two in cabinet

MATT GOURAS Associated Press Writer HELENA

Gov. Brian Schweitzer has named two new cabinet appointees for his second term. Schweitzer announced Tuesday that Joe Maurier will replace Jeff Hagener as director of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. And Anna Whiting-Sorrel will replace Joan Miles as director of Public Health and Human Services. Hagener was a holdover from the Judy Martz administration and had been in the job since 2001. Miles oversaw her agency since being appointed by Schweitzer in 2005. Whiting-Sorrell has been Schweitzer's top adviser on health issues. Maurier, an old friend of Schweitzer's, has been running the parks division in FWP since 2006. Before that he worked for 25 years in Colorado's parks system. Both take over immediately as acting directors. "It is an honor for me to appoint both Anna and Joe today," Schweitzer said in a release. "They are both tremendously qualified and talented and will serve the state well in these positions." Schweitzer's office did not rule out the possibility of other changes in the cabinet as he starts a second term. The governor easily won re-election earlier this month. Before working in Schweitzer's office, Whiting-Sorrell, 51, worked for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in administration. She holds undergraduate degrees in political science and education, and a graduate degree in public administration. Whiting-Sorrell will be paid $96,963 in her new post. Maurier, 54, has a degree in outdoor recreation from Colorado State University and will also be paid $96,963. Miles said she was surprised by the decision to make a change, but had no hard feelings. "When I started this job three-anda- half years ago, I never presumed it would go into another term," Miles said. "Of course, I love this job, and I am proud of the work I did, and I had hoped to continue." Miles said she hopes to stay active in health care policy or legal work in the Helena area. Hagener did not return a call seeking comment Tuesday. In a statement released by the governor's office, Hagener said he enjoyed his time at the helm. "I am confident Governor Schweitzer will keep Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks interests as a top priority through his second administration," he said.