MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship will retire at the end of September after more than three decades with the agency, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Tuesday.
Ivey has selected Ben Stimpson Jr. to succeed Blankenship as commissioner beginning Oct. 1. Stimpson is expected to lead the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the remainder of Ivey’s term.
Blankenship began his career with ADCNR in 1994 as a conservation enforcement officer in the Marine Resources Division. Ivey appointed him commissioner shortly after taking office in 2017, and he has led the department throughout her administration.
“For Alabama to remain ‘Alabama the Beautiful,’ we must prioritize our great outdoors and abundant natural resources,” Ivey said in announcing the transition. She credited Blankenship with helping oversee the state’s conservation efforts during his tenure.
According to the Governor’s Office, Alabama has funded $525 million in outdoor recreation improvements during the Ivey administration, including more than $350 million in upgrades to Alabama State Parks. The administration also reports completing or undertaking more than 50 boating access projects across the state.
The Governor’s Office also cited more than $318 million directed toward 143 projects in Mobile and Baldwin counties through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act and more than $1.27 billion in Deepwater Horizon oil spill recovery projects that have been completed, are underway or have been approved in coastal Alabama.
Other conservation initiatives during Blankenship’s tenure have included the acquisition of more than 110,000 acres of land, improvements at Gulf State Park and Cheaha State Park and changes to hunting and fishing regulations. The state has also expanded its red snapper season and increased the deer limit to two does per day.
Blankenship thanked Ivey for the opportunity to serve as commissioner and reflected on his 32 years with the department.
“I have been deeply blessed to have served with fantastic and passionate people for 32 years in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” Blankenship said.
Stimpson most recently served on the Conservation Advisory Board and resigned from that position before accepting the commissioner’s role. He previously served as director of corporate operations for Scotch Gulf and Canfor Southern Pine.
Stimpson has also served on several boards, including the Alabama State Port Authority, where he served as chairman in 2023, and has been involved with the Alabama Wildlife Federation and Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve Governor Kay Ivey and the people of Alabama as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” Stimpson said. He said he looks forward to working with department employees to protect and preserve the state’s natural resources.
With Stimpson leaving the Conservation Advisory Board, Ivey appointed John “Bo” Cross, owner and CEO of Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. Inc., to fill the vacancy. Cross’ appointment is effective immediately.
Blankenship’s retirement becomes effective at the end of September, with Stimpson assuming leadership of ADCNR on Oct. 1.
