Biographical Information about Craig Manson

Craig Manson, a California judge, is the Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. In this position he oversees the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Judge Manson is a strong leader who brings to his current position a wealth of experience in natural resources law and policy, an ability to build consensus across diverse interest groups, and a judicial approach to decision-making.

Manson was appointed to the Sacramento County Municipal Court in January 1998, and elevated to the Superior Court in June 1998. Before that (1993-98) he served as General Counsel for the California Department of Fish and Game, where he was responsible for providing legal and policy advice to agency Director, the Secretary for Resources, and the Governor, on state and federal Endangered Species Acts, wetlands, water law, California Environmental Quality Act and other natural resource issues.

Judge Manson is also an Adjunct Professor at the McGeorge School of Law. Prior to his appointment to the Sacramento County Municipal Court, Manson worked as an attorney (1989-93) with the law firm of Downey, Brand, Seymour and Rohwer, located in Sacramento California. He also worked as outside counsel for the California Department of Conservation.

Manson, a colonel in the California Air National Guard, served as Associate Professor of Law at the U.S. Air Force Academy (1985-89). He is the founding Director of the Academy's Air and Space Law Program. He served as Area Defense Counsel (1984-85) for the U.S. Air Force Judiciary, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate (1983-84), and as International Law Advisor for the
U.S. Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command, United Nations Command in Korea in 1983.

Manson is a native of Missouri and grew up in New Mexico and California. He earned his B.S. degree in 1976, from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and graduated on the Commandant's List for Military Excellence, and the Dean's List for Academic Excellence. He earned his J.D. degree in 1981, from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, with the distinguished Order of the Coif, Outstanding Graduating Senior, and Editor-in-Chief, Pacific Law Journal.

Judge Manson has served on numerous boards and is listed among the Outstanding Young Men of America, and Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. He is a member of the American Inns of Court and has received numerous military awards and decorations.