Governor Mark Warner appointed Joseph Maroon director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in March 2002. DCR has about 450 workers year-round and as many as 850 wage employees in the summer. The agency operates an award-winning state park system comprised of 34 state parks, manages more than 45 natural areas, facilitates statewide programs to reduce water pollution, regulates dams, helps with land conservation efforts and inventories rare and endangered plants, animals and their habitats.

In 2000, Maroon was recognized as one of Virginia's top four outstanding environmental leaders. The honor was the first such award given in the state. The Virginia Wildlife Federation named him 1988 Conservationist of the Year, the group's highest honor.

Before joining DCR, Maroon served as executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Virginia office for nearly 17 years. During that time, the foundation grew into one of the nation's premier conservation and environmental education organizations. He also worked for seven years with the Virginia General Assembly's watchdog agency, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. There he directed studies focusing on economic development and natural resources.

Maroon has been at the forefront of natural resources improvements in Virginia for nearly two decades. He was instrumental in the passage of numerous legislative advances and conservation efforts relating to water quality, land protection and the Chesapeake Bay.

Several governors and the legislature have appointed him to numerous boards and advisory committees including the Virginia Board of Conservation and Recreation on which he served as vice chair for six years during the 1990s. In 1998, Governor Gilmore appointed Maroon to the state advisory committee for the development of an economic development strategy for Virginia. In addition, he has served on the board of the Richmond Math and Science Center Foundation, the Virginia Conservation Network and the National Nonpoint Source Pollution Forum sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees in political science and public administration from Virginia Tech. He and his wife Anne have two sons and are residents of Midlothian, Virginia. Maroon plays drums, 12-string guitar, sings, is active in church and has served as a youth baseball coach.