Jonathan Howell to lead Division of Marine Fisheries
RALEIGH – Jonathan Howell will be the new director of the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Howell, currently the Deputy Director of the Division of Coastal Management (DCM), will take the helm at DMF Oct. 26.
“Jonathan has a lifelong passion for protecting our state’s beautiful coastal area and its wildlife,” DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said. “He is a proven leader and I am confident he will do an excellent job leading our talented DMF team.”
Howell replaces former DMF Director Kathy Rawls, who retired Aug. 1. Since then, DMF Deputy Director Mike Loeffler has served as interim director.
“I want to thank Interim Director Mike Loeffler for doing an outstanding job in that role, keeping things running well and making progress on key projects and initiatives,” Wilson said. “I also thank former Director Kathy Rawls for her time and the work she did leading the DMF.”
Howell said he is honored to step into this role and serve the people and coastal communities of North Carolina.
“Our state’s fisheries are more than a resource — they are part of our livelihoods and the traditions that connect generations of families to the coast,” Howell said.
“I’m excited to get to know the people served by DMF, listen to their perspectives and work alongside our staff and partners. I look forward to listening, building relationships and working together to support the fisheries and coastal communities,” he said.
Howell began his career in North Carolina state government in 2004 as a DCM planner. He served in roles including assistant major permits coordinator, field representative, district manager in the Washington office, major permit coordinator, and regulatory section chief before becoming deputy director in January 2025.
Howell has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Mount Olive College and a Master of Science in environmental planning from East Carolina University.