Joanne Throwe, a University of Maryland alumna and former director of the university’s Environmental Finance Center, was named deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in October.

Throwe, who was at the university center from 2005 until October, said she is thrilled to now be working for the department.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity to better serve the state of Maryland in this new role,” she said. “Working at the EFC was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to ensure the protection of our natural resources, and this new position allows me to expand on my experience.”

Throwe has been working at the Department of Natural Resources for about two weeks, developing an understanding of the wide range of programs and services it provides, such as wildlife protection, land preservation and forestry. Throwe said she hopes to get more involved in Chesapeake Bay and oyster restoration efforts.

“Joanne Throwe’s experience and expertise and environmental background are exceptional and have already made an impact at the DNR,” said Stephen Schatz, the department’s communications director. “While only being here a few weeks, she already is in the midst of reviewing and revising agency politics with a focus on maximizing effectiveness and efficiency.”

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Throwe said her new co-workers are already like family and “are such dedicated and hardworking people.”

Throwe has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s in public policy from this university.

Before starting her new position, Throwe had 25 years of experience working with the environment and natural resources, including 10 years at the Environmental Finance Center.

Throwe worked with many organizations and university departments to build new programs in agriculture finance and sustainability. In 2011, she helped to create Sustainable Maryland Certified, a program intended to provide financial resources and support groups for local organizations committed to protecting the environment in towns like College Park. More recently, as the center’s director, she was selected to work with the U.S. Agriculture Department as part of a shared faculty agreement.

Before becoming the center’s director, Throwe worked at the Agriculture Department’s Foreign Agricultural Service. She also spent two years as an agriculture extension agent for the Peace Corps.

Daniel Nees, the center’s interim director, said he is proud of Throwe’s promotion but sad to see her leave.

“She basically increased the size of the center threefold in her time as director. She has the amazing ability to build programs and raise money around the programs,” he said. “The most amazing thing is she made every person that works for her and every community that she works with feel like they are important.”

Despite her departure, the center will continue to thrive, Throwe said.

“I miss it, but I know it’s in great hands with Dan Nees,” she said. “I know how capable and competent he is. I know they will go on to do wonderful things within the region.”