DENVER - Harris Sherman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, announced the selection of Brownell Bailey as director of the State Land Board.

Bailey, a Denver businessman with experience in real estate, planning, land management and non-profit leadership, was selected by the Colorado Board of Land Commissioners with the approval of Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. He will assume his duties on May 11.

“Brownell has a solid and wide-ranging track record in land planning, development, project management and natural resource stewardship,” said Sherman. “His success in the private and nonprofit sectors will allow him to bring an entrepreneurial outlook along with a diverse skill set to the leadership of State Land Board.

Bailey has directed land acquisitions and exchanges, founded a wetlands restoration company, has helped restructure businesses and served on the board of directors of Denver-based Quiznos Franchise Corporation during its period of rapid expansion.

“What made him stand out is that he’s well-rounded and has been very successful in a variety of businesses,” said Steve Holdren, chair of the Board of Land Commissioners. “He will bring a fresh and independent perspective to the State Land Board.”

Bailey said he was “elated” by the opportunity.

“It’s particularly exciting because the Land Board can make such a big difference in the future of Colorado with the choices it makes about managing its lands and ensuring the productivity of those resources to fund public schools,” Bailey said.

The State Land Board manages its three million acres of land and four million acres of mineral rights for the benefit of eight trusts, including the School Trust. The Board is charged with generating a reasonable and consistent income for its trust beneficiaries and making its decisions based on the long-term best interests of the beneficiaries.