The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission has identified Laura Clellan as the sole finalist for the position of director, following a search that lasted just over two months. The announcement, made on February 9, 2024, comes after Clellan has been serving as the interim director since December, stepping in after the unexpected resignation of Jeff Davis in November 2023.
Under Colorado state law, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the wildlife agency, must post the finalist for a period of 14 days before any formal appointment is made. A special meeting has been scheduled for February 23, 2024, where the Commission will make the final decision regarding Clellan’s appointment.
Clellan’s background is notable; she is a retired adjutant general and former executive director of Colorado’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. With over 30 years of military service, she became the first woman and openly LGBTQ individual to lead Colorado’s National Guard in 2020. Her civilian experience includes roles at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Davis, who had been in his role for just over two years, resigned amid controversy over the reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado. His departure was reportedly to avoid termination, after which he took on an advisory position within the Department of Natural Resources before transitioning to the role of deputy director of Wyoming Game and Fish in February 2024.
The search for a new director began in December 2023, during which around 144 applications were received from December 11 to January 13. The applicants were narrowed down by Dan Gibbs, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and Richard Reading, chair of the Parks and Wildlife Commission. From this pool, five finalists were selected, which included Clellan.
During the Commission’s meeting on January 28, 2024, a motion was made by commissioner Dallas May to reopen the application process, citing Clellan’s exceptional performance in her interim role. This led to a one-week reopening of the position, resulting in Clellan being interviewed as a final candidate on February 2, 2024. The Commission subsequently voted 8-2 in favor of advancing her candidacy.
The appointment of the director requires consent from the Department of Natural Resources, currently held by Gibbs. The upcoming virtual meeting on February 23 will provide the Commission an opportunity to finalize Clellan’s appointment.
In related news, Colorado Governor Jared Polis appointed Chris Sichko to fill a vacancy on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, a position left open by Murphy Robinson, who resigned in December. While the governor has the authority to appoint members, all commissioners require confirmation from the Colorado Senate.
For those interested in the upcoming meeting regarding Clellan’s appointment, details on how to watch can be found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
