Former Game and Fish Director nominated as Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Nesvik worked as a Game Warden in Pinedale
February 15, 2025
CHEYENNE, WYOMING — Former Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik was nominated by the Trump administration to be the next U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. The nomination was announced Feb. 12.
"Brian is an outstanding leader, and if he is appointed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be in good hands," current Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said. "He has a proven track record of working to develop science-based policies and programs for wildlife management, and his expertise would greatly benefit the federal and state wildlife management agencies. I have no doubt that, if appointed, Brian will work collaboratively with all agencies and organizations throughout the country for the benefit of wildlife. He is the right person at the right time."
Nesvik retired from Game and Fish in 2024 after more than 29 years with the agency. He worked his way up the ranks, from a game warden in the Laramie and Pinedale areas, the title of Cody Regional Wildlife Supervisor in 2010, and Chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief in 2011. Nesvik was appointed as Game and Fish Director by Gov. Matt Mead in 2019. During his tenure as director, Nesvik tackled issues such as grizzly management and aquatic invasive species, as well as the ongoing challenges in managing healthy mule deer populations.
Nesvik served in the Wyoming Army National Guard for 35 years, and retired as a brigadier general in 2021.
Current Chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief Dan Smith said Nesvik's hands-on experience with Game and Fish will give him a realistic perspective as he works on national-level wildlife issues in Washington, D.C.
"Brian’s real-world experience with the challenges we face in wildlife conservation will be a tremendous benefit as we work with our federal counterparts," Smith said. "I am optimistic that with his leadership, state agencies will be able to further strengthen their partnerships and common objectives in conservation efforts."
Nesvik will undergo a Senate hearing later this month in order to receive official confirmation.
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