Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announces Appointment of Assistant Secretary of Land Resources and Director of Communications

DNR Secretary Mark Belton today announced two new appointments to the department’s leadership team.

Daryl Anthony, a veteran employee who most recently served as western region manager of the Maryland Park Service, has been named assistant secretary of land resources.

Stephen Schatz, an experienced media relations professional with a strong background in public policy communications, joins as the director of communications.

Anthony brings with him nearly three decades of law enforcement and natural resource management, and state park operations experience with DNR. He joined the department in 1983 as a contractual seasonal ranger at Patapsco Valley State Park while earning his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Management at Frostburg State University. From there, he was promoted within the park service from sergeant and assistant park manager in 1995, to captain and southern region manager in 1999, to major and central region manager in 2006, before his most recent role as western regional manager.

In 2004, Anthony received the Superintendent’s Commendation for his work to consolidate law enforcement operations within the Maryland Natural Resources Police and the Maryland Park Service Rangers, which established an efficient, streamlined police presence on public lands and waterways. He was also instrumental in developing the Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps, a six-week, non-residential summer program for youth primarily from metro areas.

As senior director of media relations at the National Retail Federation (NRF), Schatz advanced the retail industry’s government affairs and legislative agenda through public relations and media outreach, ensuring the retail voice was represented in Washington, D.C. Prior to NRF, he served as director of media relations for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), where he coordinated member and media communications. Schatz also held communications roles at The White House during the Administration of former President George W. Bush, and on Capitol Hill. He graduated Cum Laude from the Catholic University of America.

While at NRF, Schatz developed and coordinated media campaigns that infused policy objectives and economic statistics on numerous issues including energy, health care and taxes. During his time at the NACDS, Schatz enhanced state-level outreach and significantly expanded the association’s social media presence.

“I’m thrilled to have Daryl and Stephen join our leadership team,” DNR Secretary Belton said. “Daryl’s in-depth knowledge of natural resources management, specifically land resources, will be an immense asset to DNR. Stephen brings a proactive approach and a fresh perspective to DNR communications and media outreach that will be a huge benefit for the department.”

Both Anthony and Schatz reside in Columbia with their families. Anthony is married with two grown children. Schatz is married with three young children.