Haley appoints Evans as chairman of DNR Board

John P. “Johnny” Evans, a calming influence in the brouhaha that erupted last year over the way the retirement of S.C. Department of Natural Resources director John Frampton was handled, has been tapped by Gov. Nikki Haley to chair the Natural Resources Board.

Evans, who served as acting chairman after board member Caroline Rhodes of Charleston vacated the chair in March, represents the Sixth Congressional District. His selection was hailed by conservationists.

“Johnny Evans is a solid appointment. He is a conservationist-businessman in the best sense of the word, and should have strong support from outdoor groups,” said Ben Gregg, executive director of the S.C. Wildlife Federation. “He will hit the ground running with almost 10 years of experience as a board member.”

Evans, president and CEO of C.F. Evans Construction in Orangeburg, a family-owned construction management firm, was one of two holdover appointments on the board by former Gov. Mark Sanford.

An active outdoorsman, Evans is a member in the Boone and Crockett Club, which is the oldest conservation organization in America. He grew up in Cameron and is a graduate of Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Building Science degree. He and his wife, Kristen, reside in the Lone Star community in Calhoun County.

“Johnny Evans has a steadfast commitment to the state’s natural resources and our agency’s mission,” said Alvin Taylor, who was appointed by the board to succeed Frampton as SCDNR director. “He has consistently demonstrated his leadership qualities in a variety of capacities since his appointment as a board member in 2004.”

The Natural Resources Board, which meets monthly, sets policy for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of South Carolina as chairman of the DNR board,” Evans said. “We have a great board and look forward to working with and supporting Alvin Taylor and the agency.”

Other board members include Norman F. Pulliam of Spartanburg, Rhodes, Michael E. “Mike” Hutchins of Lexington, Larry L. Yonce of Johnston, Robert R. “Randy” Lowe of Hartsville and Cary L. Chastain of Charleston.