WASHINGTON -- Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne today named David M. Verhey as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. In this capacity, Verhey will have the delegated authority of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks until President Bush nominates and the Senate confirms someone to fill the position.

Verhey has served as Interior's Associate Solicitor, Division of Parks and Wildlife, since last year. Prior to that, he was Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary for California Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneger from 2003 to 2005 and Deputy Attorney General in the California Attorney General's office from 1998 to 2003.

"David Verhey has significant legal expertise and long experience in government that will enable him to serve effectively and provide continuity in the assistant secretary's office," Kempthorne said.

Verhey received his B.A. degree in 1994 from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his J.D. in 1997 from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He also holds a Certificate of Government Affairs (C.G.A) from the University of the Pacific.

He replaces Matt Hogan, who, as a deputy assistant secretary, has been serving in the capacity of assistant secretary. Hogan is leaving the department effective today to become the new executive vice president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.