September 2024 - 11

NEWS
Angi Bruce takes over as the Wyoming Game and Fish Director this month.. (Photo by Christopher Martin/WGFD)
Angi Bruce appointed Game
and Fish Director
CHEYENNE - In July, the Office of
Governor Mark Gordon announced the
appointment of Angi Bruce as the Wyoming
Game and Fish Department Director. She is
the first female director in the department's
history. Bruce will replace Brian Nesvik,
who is set to retire this month. Bruce brings
a wealth of experience and leadership to her
new role.
" Angi has all the skills, talent and dedication
to lead the department, " Nesvik said. " I
am confident she will continue to build upon
the department's legacy and will ensure we
remain the premier wildlife management and
conservation leaders of our nation. "
Bruce has been a key figure in the department
since April 2019, where she previously
served as the deputy director of external
affairs. Through her work, she has addressed
complex fish and wildlife management issues,
including oversight of significant projects
such as migration corridors and the recovery
of endangered species like the black-footed
ferret. Her previous role involved extensive
collaboration with state and federal partners,
energy development companies and conservation
organizations.
Bruce's expertise extends to managing
the department's wildlife environmental
reviews, including crucial policies such as
Gordon's executive orders on sage grouse and
big game migration corridor protections. She
also played a vital role in Wyoming's Wildlife
and Roadways Initiative, navigating legislation
and influencing state and federal policy.
Her career includes previous roles as the
Game and Fish habitat protection supervisor
and assistant wildlife bureau chief
with the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources. During her nearly 20 years in
Iowa, Bruce was well known for her work
in external relations, leading conservation
initiatives and managing substantial budgets.
She oversaw public and private lands
management and played a pivotal role in
the restoration of pallid sturgeon habitat
and developing Iowa's first Comprehensive
Fish and Wildlife plan.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree
in wildlife biology/environmental science
from the University of Dubuque in Iowa.
Her commitment to leadership and professional
development is evident from her
certifications, including a certified public
manager designation from Drake University
and various strategic planning and leadership
certifications.
" I am honored to be able to build off the
incredible work of Director Nesvik and work
alongside our dedicated team and partners
to manage our world-class wildlife. Together
we will address the evolving challenges of
wildlife conservation in Wyoming, " Bruce
said. " Listening to understand where Wyoming
citizens and Game and Fish staff want
the department to focus over the next few
years will be my number one priority over
the next few months. "
- Breanna Ball, WGFD
Wyoming Wildlife | 11
September 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2024
