Wyoming Game and Fish Department
The Department is created and placed under the direction and supervision of the Commission in W.S. 23-1-401. The responsibilities of the Department are defined in W.S. 23-1-103. The Department is charged with providing..."an adequate and flexible system for the control, management, protection, and regulation of all Wyoming wildlife."
Brian R. Nesvik
Director
Brian Nesvik was appointed as Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in 2019. Brian has been with the Department working for Wyoming’s wildlife and serving the people of the state for over 27 years.
Brian grew up in Wyoming and received his bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries biology and management from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College.
Brian began his career with the Department in 1995. He has worked in various capacities including game warden where he was stationed in Glendo and Casper before being promoted to patrol the Elk Mountain District. He was transferred to the South Pinedale District in May 2005 and was promoted to be the Cody Region’s wildlife supervisor in August 2010. Brian took over as chief game warden in 2011 responsible for all operations of the Department’s wildlife division, including law enforcement, terrestrial game, nongame and habitat management and veterinary services before being appointed by Governor Mark Gordon as director.
Nesvik recently retired from the Wyoming Army National Guard after serving 35 years. He served as the Commanding General of the Wyoming Army National Guard and the Assistant Adjutant General holding the rank of Brigadier General. Nesvik served as a commander on two combat tours in Iraq and Kuwait.
Brian is an avid outdoorsman who loves Wyoming and its natural resources. He and his wife, Penny have three children: Brittany, Rudy and Aspen.
John Kennedy
Deputy Director (internal operations)
John Kennedy oversees internal programs in the agency, including development and management of the Commission’s budget; final approval of all grants, contracts and agreements; and oversight of the fish, wildlife, services and fiscal divisions. He graduated from the inaugural National Conservation Leadership Institute Program in 2007 and graduated from the Leadership Wyoming program in 2017. John was born and raised in Idaho. He holds a B.S. degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho and an M.S. degree in wildlife management from South Dakota State University. John is an avid outdoorsman and spends his spare time hunting and fishing.
Angi Bruce
Deputy Director (External Operations)
Angi Bruce is the Deputy Director for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Her work focuses on external relations. This includes working closely with our state and federal partners, energy developers, and conservation organizations. Her work involves oversight of the Department’s wildlife environmental reviews including the Sage-Grouse Executive Order Policy. In addition, Angi provides leadership on Migration Corridors and works closely with the Department of Transportation in the implementation of the Wyoming’s Wildlife and Roadways Initiative. Angi started with the Department in 2017 as the Habitat Protection Supervisor. Angi is a native to Iowa, where she spent nearly 20 years with the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Bureau. Angi enjoys spending time outside exploring all of Wyoming’s natural resources with her family.
Tod Larson - Policy and Planning Director
Amanda Roberts - Policy and Planning Coordinator
Toni Bell - Executive Assistant