John C. Oliver III most recently served as the first Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). He was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge in August, 1995 to oversee the agency, which was established July 1, 1995. DCNR’s business is to manage the state’s parks and forests, provide information on the state’s geologic resources and administer grant programs to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local recreation and regional heritage.

 

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Oliver served for 17 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in Pittsburgh. As chief executive for the private, nonprofit organization, he oversaw the protection of thousands of acres of wild lands and natural areas. The conservancy, through its’ purchase and conveyance of wilderness areas, has enabled the creation of five state parks and several additions to state forests and game lands.

 

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 5, 1939, Mr. Oliver holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Ecology from Kenyon College (1962) and a Master’s degree in Government and Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C. (1969).

 

After his post-secondary education, Mr. Oliver served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War from 1965-1966, earning the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for Valor and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

 

Currently, Mr. Oliver is in private practice as a Natural Resource Consultant and is a visiting lecturer on Natural Resource Policy at Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania.

 

Mr. Oliver is the former & inaugural Board Chair of the Friends of The Tom Ridge Center at Presque Isle in Erie County, and a current Board member. He is also the former Board Chair of Riverlife in Pittsburgh.  He is a member of the National Council of the Conservation Fund of Arlington, Virginia.

 

Mr. Oliver also serves as Mayor, Borough of Sewickley Heights, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.