Gov. Janet Napolitano today appointed Norman W. Freeman of Chino Valley to serve on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. He replaces Michael Golightly, whose term expired this year.

The governor nominated Freeman on Feb. 20, and his nomination was transmitted to the Arizona Senate for confirmation. The Senate took no formal action during the legislative session, so in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-211 (B), the governor made the appointment, effective today.

Freeman’s nomination will be transmitted to the Senate again for consideration during the 2009 legislative session. He will remain a commissioner for one year and must be confirmed by the Senate on or before July 2, 2009.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the Game and Fish Commission,” says Freeman. “As an Arizona native, the outdoors has always been a passion of mine. Wildlife is one of our state’s most valuable natural resources, and it is facing challenges from our exponential growth. I’m looking forward to giving back to our community and helping to meet those challenges.”

Freeman brings a diverse background to the commission, with experience in technology development, broadcast and land use issues.

His work with wildlife has been extensive. Among other business ventures, he is the founder of Elemental Technology, a firm that developed wildlife tracking software for wildlife biologists and regulatory bodies. In 1994, he founded “Wildflight,” a privately funded operation to relocate wildlife, using corporate and private aircraft to move many species, including black bears, owls, hawks, eagles, osprey, and California condors.

Freeman has been extensively involved with California condor conservation, participating in the California Condor Recovery Team – a multi-agency team including the Arizona Game and Fish Department – which defined the federal protocol for moving this endangered species. He also co-authored a successful behavior modification program to reduce the juvenile predation of young California condors by coyotes.

Freeman’s technology experience includes the development of telemetry and control systems for high-efficiency irrigation and municipal water systems. He also developed software and tracking technology that helped market loyalty-building programs for major league baseball teams.

Freeman grew up in the family radio business and worked in television as a director and engineer.

Among his other activities, Freeman currently serves as a board member of the Chino Valley Irrigation District and is a former vice chair of the Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission.

He is currently the president of the Carousel Charity Horse Show, past president of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Arizona, is a licensed instrument pilot, and is a member of the National Rifle Association and the Farm Bureau.

"We welcome Norm Freeman to the commission and look forward to working with him," said Commission Chair Bill McLean.