Washington, D.C. - A former director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is being nominated to run the country's top wildlife agency.

Brian Nesvik is the Trump administration's nominee to be the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director.

The Wyoming resident retired from Game and Fish last year after serving as its head since 2019.

However, the job isn't his just yet, Nesvik's nomination has been referred to the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. Afterwards he would still need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement praising the selection Nesvik to serve as Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

"President Trump has made a great decision in nominating Wyoming's own Brian Nesvik to serve as Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service," said Lummis. "Brian has spent his entire career serving the people of Wyoming and working alongside outfitters, hunters, landowners, fishermen, and anyone else who loves the great outdoors. That attitude and passion for balancing wildlife conservation and recreational access will serve him well in this important role. I look forward to working to get Brian confirmed as soon as possible."

Wyoming governor Mark Gordon also weighed in saying, "Brian could not be more qualified and suited to serve in this significant role. He has had a long career in wildlife conservation and boasts extensive experience and leadership dealing with the complexities of endangered species issues. His intimate knowledge of the challenges facing Western states will ensure Wyoming has a seat at the table when engaging with the federal government on these issues. The nation’s gain is also a win for the states and USFWS will be well-served with Brian at the helm."

If confirmed, Nesvik would lead an agency that has roughly 8,000 employees and oversees a wildlife refuge system that covers nearly 860 million acres.