OLYMPIA - The state Department of Fish and Wildlife have named a new regional director for its North Central region based in Ephrata.

Jim Brown, a sergeant in the department's enforcement program, was named regional director, taking over for Dennis Beich, who is retiring after serving as the Region 2 director since 2000.

Brown, 48, who has worked as a fish and wildlife enforcement officer since 1992, will begin his new job June 3, overseeing all WDFW work in Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties.

"Jim Brown is a problem solver, who knows how to bring people together to find common solutions," said WDFW Director Phil Anderson. "He's direct, organized and very knowledgeable about the region's issues from the years he's spent in law enforcement."

Brown has been involved with salmon management, habitat protection and hydropower mitigation to resolving public conflicts with cougars and bears, according to a WDFW prepared statement.

"Enforcement officers are on the front line of a lot of contentious issues," Brown said. "But whether you're in a board room or talking over the tailgate of a pickup, the important thing is to listen and look for ways to address people's concerns. That's a skill I can bring to the position."

In his current position, Brown served as a member of the Okanogan County Dangerous Wildlife Task Force, a multi-agency Homeland Security planning team and a cooperative fisheries enforcement effort with the Colville Tribe. He has also received numerous awards for job performance in his career with WDFW.

Brown completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Washington State University in 2010.

He and his wife, Katherine, have two daughters.