Governor Ducey Makes Appointment To Game And Fish Commission

PHOENIX - Governor Doug Ducey has appointed Eric Slocum Sparks to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Mr. Sparks is an attorney practicing in Tucson since 1987, specializing in debtor bankruptcy law and business reorganizations. Before opening his own firm in 1990, Mr. Sparks served as general counsel to several corporations, such as the Wilson Companies, GHR Energy Corporation, Bayou Asphalt Corp., and corporate counsel to Tenneco Inc. in Houston.

Additionally, Mr. Sparks has served as an international advocate for sustainable wildlife and habitat management. Mr. Sparks has contributed extensively to conservation and resource projects, boards and committees, including Water for Wildlife Foundation and Safari Club International. Mr. Sparks also has served as Legal Committee Vice Chairman of Safari Club International (1999-2009), the Safari Club International Museum, Boys and Girls Club of Tucson Board of Directors (1994-1999), Golden Eagle Firearms Corporation Board of Directors, and the Water for Wildlife Foundation Board of Directors (1987-1997), among others. Mr. Sparks’ enthusiasm for year-round outdoors activities is shared by his friends and family.

Mr. Sparks is a member of the Pima County Bar Association, the State Bar of Arizona, the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association. Mr. Sparks has received numerous awards and recognition for his community service, including a Special Recognition from the State Bar of Arizona and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for pro bono services in consumer cases (2008), and was named Pima County Bar Association’s Outstanding Pro Bono Attorney (2005). A popular public speaker, Mr. Sparks has taught classes and made presentations on various aspects of the legal profession.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Sparks earned his Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School in 1972, ranking eighth in his class. He also received a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Business School in Government Policy and Management. He has been appointed for a five-year term, effective Jan. 18, 2016, to replace outgoing Commissioner Robert Mansell, whose term is expiring.

Mr. Sparks’ appointment requires confirmation by the Arizona Senate.