John Skvarla is secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He joined DENR from the business world, most recently serving as CEO for Restoration Systems, an environmental mitigation firm based in Raleigh that helps improve and restore wetlands and waterways. Skvarla's past environmental experience also includes work as chairman with Wilkinson Hi-Rise, a world leader in manufacturing new products such as waste management and automated recycling systems. Skvarla previously served as chief operating officer for The Aviation Group, a company that emerged as the world's largest all-cargo airline during his tenure. He also has been managing director of an investment banking office in Raleigh and owner of a Sandhills golf course community. In this speech, he discusses "Protecting the Environment While Growing the Economy."
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