Jonathan Howell to Lead Marine Fisheries Division
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has selected Jonathan Howell as the new director starting October 26.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
Jonathan Howell will assume his role as the director of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries on October 26, 2026. He transitions into this leadership position after serving as the deputy director of the Division of Coastal Management.
Why it matters
The appointment fills a leadership vacancy at the agency responsible for managing the state's coastal resources. This move signals a change in the division's administrative direction following the retirement of the previous long-term director.
Jonathan Howell brings over two decades of state government experience to his new role, having begun his career in 2004 as a planner for the Division of Coastal Management. He holds a business administration degree and a master's in environmental planning.
The players
Jonathan Howell
He is the incoming director of the Division of Marine Fisheries who previously served as deputy director of the Division of Coastal Management.
Kathy Rawls
She is the former director of the Division of Marine Fisheries who retired from the agency on August 1, 2026.
Mike Loeffler
He served as the interim director of the Division of Marine Fisheries following the retirement of the previous permanent director.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
This is the state agency responsible for overseeing North Carolina's environmental and natural resources, including coastal fisheries management.
The details
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality selected Howell to succeed Kathy Rawls, who retired on August 1, 2026. Mike Loeffler has served as the interim director of the division during the search process for the permanent replacement.
Timeline
2004: Jonathan Howell began his career in state government.
August 1, 2026: Former director Kathy Rawls retired from the Division of Marine Fisheries.
October 26, 2026: Jonathan Howell assumes the position of director.
Market Landscape
This appointment of a new director occurs within the long-term management framework established by the North Carolina Fisheries Reform Act of 1997. It reflects the ongoing administrative transition within the state's environmental regulatory bodies.
The transition to new leadership at the Division of Marine Fisheries may influence future regulatory decisions impacting commercial and recreational fishing operations. Residents and local businesses involved in the coastal economy should watch for potential policy updates in the coming months.
The takeaway
The appointment of an experienced state official suggests a focus on continuity within the division's administrative operations. Future stakeholders in the industry should monitor upcoming agency communications for changes in management strategy.
Further reading
Learn more about organizational updates across the state in the North Carolina People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCTI.
