The state Department of Natural Resources board has selected a 25-year veteran of the Coastal Resources Division to lead the state's lead regulatory agency on coastal matters.

DNR officials said Wednesday that A.G. "Spud" Woodward will become the director of the Coastal Resources Division, or CRD, in December.

Woodward will replace Susan Shipman, who served as CRD director for seven years.

Woodward is currently Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries, where he's responsible for a 35-person workforce that oversees the state's many fisheries, including crabs and shrimp.

As overall director of CRD, his work will encompass a much broader range of coastal issues, many of which spark controversy.

CRD has been at the middle of pitched fights recently over coastal development.

His academic background is in in aquatic biology and wildlife and fisheries science.

At Wednesday's meeting, DNR Commissioner Chris Clark praised the outgoing director Shipman.

"Susan has established a lasting conservation legacy in the many diverse areas of her career, including marine fisheries management and coastal management," Clark said.

Woodward said his staff is passionate about the coast.

"It will be a privilege to lead them as we help Georgias citizens and visitors be good stewards of this magical place between the sea and the land," said Woodward.

Tags: Department of Natural Resources, Brunswick, environmental issues, coastal Georgia, Coastal Resources Division, Spud Woodward