Washington D.C. (March 26, 2026)- The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) welcomes Corey Scott as the new Government Affairs Director, effective April 6. Mr. Scott will oversee and direct the legislative work of the Association before the U.S. Congress and the public policy work of the Association before the federal Executive Branch agencies. Mr. Scott replaces Kurt Thiede who has spent the past five years as the Director of Government Affairs with the Association and recently accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer at the Association.
Mr. Scott most recently served as Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he worked alongside Virginia’s conservation, environmental, and historic preservation agencies, including the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. He has extensive experience working across state and federal policy, including prior service at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., and as a legislative aide in the Virginia General Assembly. He has engaged with Congress, federal agencies, and diverse stakeholders, and brings a strong background in conservation policy, public lands, and outdoor recreation. He is passionate about supporting state-led, science-based fish and wildlife management.
“I’m honored to join the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and to support its member agencies and mission,” said Scott. “Having worked in both state and federal government, I’ve seen firsthand the impact strong collaboration can have in advancing sound policy. I look forward to joining the team at AFWA and serving as a voice for its member agencies.”
Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association noted that “This is a high-profile leadership position of immense importance to the work of state fish and wildlife agencies. Corey has exhibited a strong commitment to building collaborative relationships at the state and federal levels and understands the complexities of managing fish and wildlife policy issues.”
“Corey is a thoughtful professional that has valuable experience as a strategic thinker and collaborative leader with the Virgina Natural and Historic Resources Department for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association. “His skill set will aid him as he builds on the Association’s strong reputation of advocacy for state fish and wildlife agencies. I am pleased to welcome him to the AFWA team.”
Mr. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Virginia Tech University. Corey is a native of Southwest Virginia who enjoys fishing, nature photography, and being outdoors. He and his fiancée Emily love to travel and explore new places together.
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.
ASSOCIATION OF FISH & WILDLIFE AGENCIES
