News Release

Crist reappoints Corbett to FWC post

January 31, 2008
Contact: Henry Cabbage 850-488-8843

Gov. Charlie Crist recently reappointed Richard A. "Dick" Corbett of Tampa to a five-year term as a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) commissioner. Corbett has served on the Commission since 2003.

The real estate investor traces his interest in fish and wildlife conservation back to when he was an 8-year-old boy, hunting and fishing in upstate New York.

Corbett and his wife, Cornelia, co-manage the 16,000-acre Pinckney Hill Plantation in Monticello. The North Florida plantation has been family-owned for eight decades and is managed for conservation of fish and wildlife.

Corbett graduated as president of his class at Notre Dame in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in English and history. In 1964, he earned a master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

He serves on the board of directors and board of trustees for Tampa General Hospital.
Corbett is active in various community programs and organizations, including the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Boy Scouts of America.

In his first term as commissioner, Corbett was instrumental in several important conservation initiatives.  He focused FWC attention on restoration of Florida's dwindling upland forests and grasslands which provide critical habitat for a diversity of wildlife species including bobwhite quail.  As a direct result of his leadership, the state now has a strong coalition of public and private partners actively involved in this landmark habitat restoration effort. 

Commissioner Corbett also provided key oversight and guidance in development of Florida's strategic plan for rebuilding the declining bobwhite quail populations.  In addition, he has been a strong advocate for youth-oriented outdoor programs, and he demonstrated his commitment to the future of hunting in Florida by hosting hunts for youths on his family-owned property. 

The commissioner advocates conserving and preserving Florida's woodlands and its fish and wildlife resources for future generations to enjoy. He enjoys hunting, fishing, diving, skiing and golf.
Corbett's current term expires in January 2013.