HARRISBURG — The man who has served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Game commission for about eight years announced today he plans to retire in January.

Carl G. Roe began working for the agency in 2001 as a long-range strategic planner and was named to the top spot by the commissioners in December 2005. The Carlisle resident plans to step down Jan. 17.

Roe developed the “Connect with Wildlife” slogan the commission has used for several years and led the state’s transition to electronic hunting license sales. About 1 million hunters annually purchase electronic licenses.

Under Roe’s watch, the state has seen a resurgence of its bald eagle population and the expansion of bear season to four days. The agency also began a mentored youth hunting program and added 50,000 acres of state gamelands.

He is a native of Wayne, Montgomery County.