Washington D.C. (September 24, 2025)- Today, the membership of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) elected Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, as its new president during its 115th Annual Meeting in Tucson, Arizona. Mr. Johansen will serve as the Association President through September 2026.
In accepting the Association Presidency, Johansen expressed gratitude to Past President Judy Camuso for her commitment to wildlife conservation and building support for state, provincial and territorial fish and wildlife agencies. During his tenure as AFWA President, Johansen intends to focus on renewing connections and strengthening partnerships among state and federal agencies and conservation organizations engaged in natural resource management.
“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has long been an important part of my professional career,” noted Johansen. “It is truly an honor to assume the duties of President and continue the important work of this outstanding organization.”
“Paul is a true conservation leader that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and 2024-2025 President of the Association. “He understands how state, provincial and territorial fish and wildlife agencies deliver on the ground conservation, and the importance of fostering close working relationships and encouraging effective partnerships that can truly move the conservation needle in a positive direction.”
Paul Johansen is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and Fellow of The Wildlife Society with more than 42 years of service to the citizens of West Virginia. Throughout his professional career, Mr. Johansen has held various positions within the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, including Wildlife Manager, Assistant District Biologist, Wildlife Planner and Assistant Chief in Charge of Game Management. Mr. Johansen currently serves as Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section where he is responsible for administering the statewide wildlife and fisheries management program. He is honored to work with some of the finest wildlife professionals in the country and to serve some of the most dedicated hunters, anglers and other wildlife-associated recreationalists in the nation. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Massachusetts and a Master of Science Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech. Mr. Johansen serves on many committees for regional, national and international professional wildlife organizations, including The Wildlife Society, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is happily married to his lovely wife Anne, and together they have shared the joy of raising their son William.
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.
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