In his role as Director of Fisheries Operations, Boland would be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the fisheries and hatcheries division of the Department. He also becomes the liaison with other agencies and ensures that agency priorities are implemented through the division.

"This is a great opportunity to continue improving our fisheries management program." said Deputy Commissioner Fred Hurley.

One of Boland's primary tasks will be to start implementing recommendations proposed in an independent review of the Department's fisheries division which include improving communication both internally and externally, incorporating more public involvement in fisheries management, and setting clear goals and direction throughout the fisheries division.

In Region A, comprising York and Cumberland counties, Boland has done much of that. He created a regional newsletter that was published twice a year, informing anglers of issues and news in their region. He has worked with the Department of Environmental Protection to address habitat protection. He has implemented a lake and stream summaries in his region, which has resulted in more effectively planning as well as lessen the chance of institutional memory loss as people retire or are laid off.

Boland graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a degree in wildlife management in 1976, and started with the Department at the Dry Mills Hatchery in Gray for three years. John took a job as an assistant regional fisheries biologist in Enfield, and after two years, relocated in the same position in Gray. Boland was an assistant biologist in gray for 12 years, and when Sonny Pierce retired, Boland took over as the regional biologist in Region A in 1994.

Peter Bourque continues to serve the department as Director of Fisheries Program Development, and will work jointly with Boland to implement recommendations in the report and coordinate the hatchery renovation program.