Jonathan Howell to Lead Marine Fisheries Starting October
The new director will oversee regulatory operations for North Carolina’s coastal businesses starting October 26, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has selected Jonathan Howell as the new director of the Division of Marine Fisheries. Howell is set to transition into the leadership role on October 26, 2026.
Why it matters
This appointment places a long-tenured state official at the helm of an agency that manages coastal resources and commercial fishing regulations. For business operators in the sector, the transition marks a change in agency leadership following the retirement of former director Kathy Rawls.
Jonathan Howell brings 22 years of experience to the role, having started his state government career in 2004. His appointment follows the August 1, 2026, retirement of former director Kathy Rawls.
The players
Jonathan Howell
An experienced state government official moving from the Division of Coastal Management to lead the Division of Marine Fisheries.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
The state agency responsible for protecting the environment and managing natural resource regulations that impact local businesses.
Kathy Rawls
The former long-time director of the Division of Marine Fisheries who retired in August 2026.
Mike Loeffler
The interim director who managed the Division of Marine Fisheries following the departure of the former director.
The details
Howell currently serves as the deputy director of the Division of Coastal Management and will move to oversee marine fisheries operations across North Carolina. He brings a background in environmental planning to the position, holding a master's degree from East Carolina University and an undergraduate degree from Mount Olive College. Mike Loeffler, who has acted as interim director since August, will hand over leadership responsibilities as Howell assumes the permanent director role.
Timeline
2004: Jonathan Howell began his career in state government.
August 1, 2026: Former director Kathy Rawls retired from the division.
October 26, 2026: Jonathan Howell assumes the director position.
Market Landscape
This appointment represents a shift in administrative leadership at the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. The transition follows the recent retirement of long-time leadership and signals a period of organizational change for the agency.
Operators in the marine and coastal sectors should monitor potential shifts in regulatory enforcement or agency priorities under new leadership. Business owners should prepare for potential adjustments in permitting or oversight processes following the October 26, 2026, transition.
The takeaway
The appointment of a career planner to lead marine fisheries suggests a continued focus on long-term resource management within the state. Operators should track the first public statements from the new director after October 26, 2026, for clues regarding upcoming enforcement policy.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and personnel shifts, visit North Carolina People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCTI.
