Richard B. “Dick” Hamilton, a 37-year-employee with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and executive director of its professional division, was dismissed Aug. 6 by the agency’s politically-appointed commissioners with no warning after a special closed executive session.
North Carolina Sportsman was told by a former WRC commissioner Hamilton basically was given no choice other than to resign after refusing to agree to a review or outright dismissal of one of the people who worked in his office.
Hamilton, who could not be reached by North Carolina Sportsman, told the Associated Press Monday night, “(The commissioners) told me that they had lost confidence in my ability to manage the staff and the programs. So I tendered my resignation, as I should have.”
Hamilton said he had no hint of what would transpire at the executive session. He served nearly three years as WRC executive director after serving as assistant director for many years. He replaced former director Charles Fullwood in 2004. Fullwood, it was said, also voluntarily “resigned” with no advance notice.
Sources told North Carolina Sportsman the WRC commissioners called a special meeting to request Hamilton dismiss Joan Troy, liason with the N.C. legislature and legal specialist. Sources indicated when Hamilton refused to dismiss Troy or alter her duties, he was asked to resign.
Wes Seegars, chairman of the WRC, said circumstances were slightly different from that description.
“We had become aware of a position in the director office (Ms. Troy’s position as legal specialist) that we had questioned Dick about,” Seegars said. “We were concerned some of the duties and authorities (of Troy’s job) had significantly evolved for that position that we found unacceptable, that needed to be exclusive to the director himself.”
Seegars said he would not explain duties Ms. Troy had assumed the commissioners found objectionable.
“It was just a difference of opinion (with the director),” he said. “Let there be no mistake — myself, as well as all commissioners and entire staff, have nothing but the highest regard for Dick Hamilton. He dedicated his entire life’s work and career to the benefit of wildlife resources, habitat and the sportsmen of the state. He has been a champion for all them, and we’re all sorry.
“(Leaving) was his choice. He indicated he was at the end of his career and ready to resign.”
Seegars said Troy’s position remains intact and the WRC didn’t intend to dismiss Troy, although it would be studying what her duties had become and should be in the future.
“Her job is intact, but her duties are under review,” he said.
Troy told the News&Observer the Aug. 6 meeting was held to dismiss her.
“I’m perceived as wielding a lot of power in the Commission,” she said. “I’m a non-hunter, non-fisher, non-biologist, non-male. I was never going to be accepted.”
Hamilton, one of the most well-liked and effective directors in WRC history, served two years, nine months and six days as its executive director. Serving as assistant director, he was named executive director Oct. 6, 2004, replacing former director Charles Fullwood, who, it was said, also voluntarily “resigned” with no advance notice.
Hamilton was honored during July by Pathways for the Future, an independent living and advocacy group based in western N.C., for helping to remove physical barriers so seniors and handicapped persons could enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing and boating. “Wildlife in North Carolina,” the agency’s monthly publication, recently was named the best in the nation among public-financed wildlife magazines.
Assistant director Fred Harris, appointed interim director, said he has been ordered to work on a study of Troy’s job and will present it to the commissioners.
Robert J. Gordon of Laurinburg, a former WRC chairman, said: “I think the world of Dick (Hamilton) and thought he was doing a fine job.”
Several commissioners contacted by North Carolina Sportsman said they would not comment about losing Hamilton as executive director.
“I’ve seen a lot of things happen,” Hamilton told the News&Observer. “Nothing really surprises me.”
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