Department of Conservation

AUGUSTA, Maine – (January 3, 2002) Department of Conservation Commissioner Ron Lovaglio announced the resignation of Director of Information Susan Benson. Benson was hired in 1995 to improve internal and external communications for the agency. During her tenure, Benson created a statewide network of print and electronic media contacts, and promoted issues including state park events, loon license plate projects and forest quarantines related to the insect pest, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, for which she received the 2001 Governor’s Teamwork Award.

Benson’s signature program is the Department of Conservation’s Fall Foliage Campaign when in 1996 she launched the first fall foliage Web site that today consists of a photo gallery, live web cam and a list serve where “leaf peepers” can sign up to receive foliage reports electronically. She received numerous awards for her work on the fall foliage campaign, most notably from the Maine Public Relations Council, Maine Media Women, the Maine Office of Tourism, and the Maine Tourism Association. Benson will begin Monday, January 14 at Vreeland Marketing & Design in Yarmouth as an account executive.

“Susan’s departure represents a great loss for this department,” remarked Commissioner Lovaglio. “I thank her for her hard work, innovative programs, and for making Maine’s fall foliage known worldwide.” Commissioner Lovaglio will begin a search for Benson’s replacement immediately. The job description is posted at www.state.me.us/doc