Warden Tales: Robert B. Hazel - Biologist/LE Chief/Executive Director

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV

It seems that each writer on the subject has their own definition of leadership.  One of my favorites is by John Maxwell who says, “Leadership is influence: nothing more and nothing less.”   Organizational consultant, Warren Bennis says “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”  Another common theme of leadership is inspiration.  As is often the case with many aspects of life, it is sometimes easier to recognize one who exercises leadership, than it is to define the activity.

Robert Boyd Hazel

Robert Boyd Hazel was born on a small dairy farm in Madisonburg, PA on June 5, 1922 .  After two years of studies at Penn State University, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1942.  He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1944 and served with the 386th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force, flying a total of 37 missions in Europe at the controls of a B-26 Marauder and an A-26 Invader.  After his military service, Hazel returned to Penn State, completing his undergraduate work and then obtaining his graduate degree.

Hazel moved south and went to work with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) in 1950.  He worked as wildlife biologist in Kinston and Morganton before assuming leadership of the NCWRC’s small game restoration efforts.

In 1956, Bob Hazel, became the assistant chief of the NCWRC’s Protection Division.  He flew as part of the law enforcement operations.  In 1959, with three years of law enforcement experience, Hazel, age 37,  was promoted to chief of the Division.  D-8 supervisor Don Curtis was promoted as his replacement as assistant chief.  Over the next ten years, Hazel penned numerous articles for Wildlife in North Carolina.

Hazel and former chief, Ben James - 1959
from Wildlife in North Carolina

New Assistant Chief, Donald E. Curtis
from Wildlife in North Carolina

A new position was formed in 1969 - assistant director in charge of all NCWRC field operations.  Hazel was selected to fill this position.  Retired chief of the Division of Wildlife Management, Hal Atkinson, recalls Hazel being well suited for this role.  Atkinson said that Hazel’s biological background, coupled with his law enforcement experience gave him a unique skill set that understood the intricacies of wildlife management and the practical implications, and applications, of the laws needed to implement those management plans.

Hazel was promoted to executive director of the NCWRC in 1976, replacing Clyde Patton who served in that role since 1947.  Hazel was quoted in a 1976 issue of the Burlington Daily Times; “My hope is to not only continue the outstanding wildlife conservation program built by Clyde Patton, but to work cooperatively with the sportsmen and other interested citizens…to meet the broadening needs of wildlife conservation in the years ahead.”  Hazel saw the need for broadening the constituency base and recognized that a successful wildlife conservation program required constant adaptation.

Burlington Daily Times
November 7, 1976

Hazel served as executive director for four years.  Retired wildlife officer Fred Weisbecker described Hazel as “a class act” and as “a leader who communicated well and connected with field staff.”  Atkinson said that in the end politics got the best of Hazel.  Hazel went on to join the faculty of the N.C. State University College of Natural Resources and served as an adjunct professor at Duke University.  He maintained his love of flying his entire life and flew until he was 80 years old.

Bob Hazel exhibited the qualities we instinctually look for in a leader.  He was a visionary with great influence.  His story is inspiring.  But, the trait that may be most striking was his willingness to take risks and step outside those areas where he may have been most comfortable.  I imagine the cockpit of a B-26 Marauder was much more stress filled than his dorm back at Penn State.  It may have been much more comfortable to remain with the small game program instead of shifting directions and stepping into a high level law enforcement position with no law enforcement background.  And after seeing Mr. Patton lose his battle with politicians, it would have been much easier to stay safely in the assistant director's chair.

Comfort may be the biggest obstacle for potential leaders to overcome.  It is easy to get sucked into staying safely where we know the job before us and what to expect each day when we go to work.  But, leaders, true leaders, have no qualms in raising their hands and saying, “I will do it.  Send me”


Sources:
Wildlife in North Carolina
Burlington Daily Times
Montlawn Funeral and Cremations Obituary retrieved from www.montlawn.com