WYOMING — On Tuesday, Feb. 11, President Donald Trump nominated Brian Nesvik, former Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), to take the helm of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) as director.
Once confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Nesvik would replace former FWS Director Martha Williams, and step into the leadership position at the U.S. Department of Interior. The FWS is the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for future generations, according to the FWS.
Governor Mark Gordon appointed Nesvik to be the director of the WGFD in 2019. Following a 30-year career with the Wyoming agency, Nesvik resigned from the position in 2024. On Wednesday, Gov. Gordon issued a statement of support for Nesvik’s nomination.
“I congratulate Brian Nesvik on his nomination to serve as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” Gov. Gordon said in the announcement. “I am delighted that my friend – who was looking forward to more pack trips, fishing and hunting – answered the call to serve his country again in this important capacity.”
Gov. Gordon said via press release that Nesvik’s knowledge of the challenges facing western states will ensure that “Wyoming has a seat at the table when engaging with the federal government on these issues.”
Nesvik, who was also a Wyoming Army National Guard member until his retirement in 2021, told the Powell Tribune that he enjoys interacting with hunters, fishermen, outfitters, landowners and the people of Wyoming. Nesvik also told the publication that he is proud of his past accomplishments as WGFD Director, including introducing children the experience of outdoor sports, responding to the threat of aquatic invasive species in the waterways and building wildlife crossings to help reduce vehicle/wildlife collisions.
Nesvik’s nomination has been referred to the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, and if approved, the U.S. Senate will vote on his nomination.
