Nomination of John D. Ward To Be Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement in the Department of the Interior

The President today announced his intention to nominate John D. Ward to be Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of Interior. He would succeed James R. Harris. Mr. Ward is currently director of the Colorado Division of Mines. Previously, he was manager, coal development, Rocky Mountain Energy Co. (1979-1982); manager, employee and government, Colowyo Coal Co. (1975-1979); assistant to the director, western mining operations, W.R. Grace & Co. (1974-1975); and assistant to the president, Colowyo Coal Co. (1972-1974).

Mr. Ward graduated from Pennsylvania State University (B.S., 1955) and the University of Denver School of Law (J.D., 1962). He is married, has two children, and resides in Layfayette, CO. He was born May 22, 1928, in Wilkes-Barre, PA.