AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul Le-Page has nominated Col. James Campbell to be the state’s next top military leader.

The governor announced Tuesday that Campbell is his pick to become Maine’s adjutant general. Campbell would replace Maj. Gen. John W. Libby, who announced in March that he was retiring.

Campbell joined the Maine Army National Guard in 1995 after serving nine years of active duty. He has held several positions, including executive officer of the University of Maine Army Reserve Officer Training Corps and commander of the 11th Civil Support Team in Waterville.

He is now deputy division chief of the Operations Plans Division at United States Central Command in Tampa.

Cambell is a graduate of Colby College and holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Maine.

“Colonel Campbell has distinguished himself as a soldier and a scholar, in addition to his recent service in Afghanistan,” LePage said in a statement.

The adjutant general is the state’s top military officer and also serves as the commissioner of defense, veterans and emergency management.

“I’m pleased and honored to have been selected by the governor for this position,” Campbell said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to returning to Maine to lead our superb soldiers and airmen of the Maine National Guard through this important period of both war and transition.”

Campbell could be sworn in in the next few weeks. His nomination is subject to approval by the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.

Campbell was chosen by a committee including retired military officers, Labor Commissioner Robert Winglass, Public Safety Commissioner John Morris and others.

 

State House Writer Steve Mistler can be contacted at 791-6345 or at: smistler@mainetoday.com

 

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