Michael Flores of Sacramento was unanimously elected president of the California Fish and Game Commission for 2006. Flores served as president of the Commission in 2002 and 2003 and was the first Latino elected as president of the Commission. His term on the Commission expires on Jan. 15, 2007. Bob Hattoy of Santa Monica was the unanimous choice for vice president.

During his years on the Commission, Flores has paid particular attention to hunting and angling issues. "This is a tremendous opportunity," Flores said. "Since my youth, the California outdoors has meant a lot to me, and serving on the Commission has been enormously fulfilling."

An avid angler and hunter, Flores said one of his two top priorities is providing outdoor experiences for more inner city youths. "It's important that we provide California's urban youths with the opportunities to enjoy the state's unique and pristine surroundings," he said.

Appointed by Gov. Gray Davis to the Commission in April of 2000, Flores has devoted long hours to major hunting and angling issues coming before the Commission, including the development of new fishing regulations, and programs geared toward providing additional public access to hunters, which is his other high-priority issue.

Flores is a native of Sacramento and graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a degree in psychology. He also attended graduate school in clinical psychology at Morehead State University in Kentucky.

In early 2004, Flores founded Flores International, a global business and public affairs consulting firm, to represent United States and international interests on matters involving California government. Today, Flores strategizes and recommends solutions for his clients utilizing his in-depth knowledge of California and international government policies and nuances. He works with his clients' management teams to provide viable solutions to complex problems through the skills acquired during Mr. Flores' extensive career as a top advisor to leaders in California government.

Appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs by Gov. Davis in May 1998, Flores carried out official diplomatic functions on behalf of the State of California. His duties, including trips abroad as well as receiving foreign dignitaries in California, kept the Secretary in constant contact with embassies and foreign officials, ensuring closer social, economic and political ties between California and its international partners.

Flores was also appointed by former State Treasurers Kathleen Brown and Matt Fong to serve as Chief Information Security Officer and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. From 1986 to 1991, he served as an Associate Consultant for the Senate Democratic Caucus.

As president of the Commission, Flores will also serve as a member of the Wildlife Conservation Board, charged with purchasing land to sustain wildlife and provide adequate and suitable recreation for the public.

Vice President Hattoy was appointed to the Commission on Aug. 27, 2002 by Gov. Davis to complete the term of the position vacated by former Commissioner Frank Boren. Hattoy was reappointed on March 14, 2003, to a six-year term.

Hattoy is a political and government affairs consultant with a wide range of experience in political, governmental and communications issues. He served as an appointee of President Bill Clinton, as a deputy in the Office of White House Personnel from 1993 to 1994, and from 1994 to 1999, Hattoy was the White House liaison to the Department of the Interior. President Clinton also appointed him to the Presidential Commission on HIV/AIDS, where he served as Chair of the Research Committee. He has also worked for the Sierra Club from 1981 to 1992, where he was a Regional Director for California and Nevada working on a full range of conservation issues.

His term on the Fish and Game Commission expires on Jan. 15, 2009.