Martha Williams confirmed as USFWS director

The U.S. Senate confirmed Martha Williams’ nomination as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Feb. 17.

Williams has led the USFWS as its principal duty director since January 2020 and was nominated as its director last October. Prior to her appointment, she served as director of Montana Fish, Parks and Wildlife; taught law as an assistant professor at the University of Montana, where she co-directed the school’s Land Use and Natural Resources Clinic; and served as the Department of the Interior’s deputy solicitor for parks and wildlife under the Obama administration.

The USFWS director position has been vacant since Aurelia Skipwith’s Jan. 2021 departure from the service. After nearly four months of consideration in the Senate, Williams will fill the position.

“The Wildlife Society congratulates Director Williams on her appointment and looks forward to collaboration between TWS and USFWS that will advance science-based wildlife management and conservation,” said Caroline Murphy, AWB® and government relations manager for The Wildlife Society. “As a member of The Wildlife Society and a seasoned leader and decision maker, we believe her appointment will support wildlife professionals and the advancement of key policy priorities.”