PIERRE -- Gov. Mike Rounds announced Wednesday the appointment of former state Game, Fish & Parks Secretary John Cooper to the Game, Fish & Parks Commission

Cooper will fill the position previously held by Spencer Hawley, Brookings.

"I am pleased that John has agreed to serve on the Game, Fish and Parks Commission," Rounds said in a news release. "He brings many years of professional knowledge and experience, both at the federal and state levels."

Cooper was senior resident agent for South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska with the Law Enforcement Division of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for 22 years after leaving the Navy in 1973. He also served as South Dakota Secretary of Game, Fish & Parks for 12 years, from 1995 until his retirement in early 2007. In 2009, Cooper received the National Governor's Association Award for Distinguished Service to State Government."

"John Cooper knows the issues that come before the commission inside and out. He has an appreciation for the outdoors and understands our outstanding resources and challenging issues from many sides, including sportsmen and sportswomen, landowners, and the general public," Game, Fish & Parks Secretary Jeffrey Vonk said. "His respect for common sense will serve the GFP Commission well."

In addition to Cooper's appointment, Rounds reappointed Susan Knippling of Gann Valley to a second term on the commission.