A retired Marine major general who lives in Fallbrook was appointed today by Gov. Jerry Brown to take command of California's troubled state parks system.
"Major Gen. (Anthony) Jackson brings more than 30 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,'' Brown said in announcing his choice for director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
"Under Major Gen. 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,'' the governor said.
The appointment to the $150,112-per-year post requires Senate confirmation.
The department was rocked earlier this year when $54 million of unspent funds were discovered in special accounts -- around the time that private citizens were raising money to stave off the governor's threats to close 70 parks due to budget constraints. The parks director at the time, Ruth Coleman, resigned in July but denied responsibility.
Jackson, 63, oversaw administration and finances of Marine facilities throughout the southwestern U.S. and worked with the federal and state governments on a variety of issues in his 36 years of military service.
Jackson was previously in charge of operations and logistics for the U.S. Africa Command, and deputy commander of Marine forces in the U.S. Central Command, which includes Afghanistan and Iraq. He also held several posts in San Diego County.
Jackson is registered decline-to-state.
