(Denver) — The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) today voted to appoint Laura Clellan as the new Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The appointment follows a public notice period and a special virtual meeting held to consider the selection.
The Commission’s decision comes after Clellan served as Acting Director beginning December 1, 2025. During that time, Clellan provided steady leadership and continuity for the agency while the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and the Commission conducted a formal search process.
“I’m thrilled that Laura Clellan is officially stepping in as the permanent Director for Colorado Parks and Wildlife after a unanimous vote from the commission. Colorado is so fortunate that Laura Clellan is taking on this important position to enhance all forms of outdoor recreation across our state and protect our wildlife. Her incredible military experience and career in public service make her the perfect fit for this role. Her leadership over the last few months has been critical for this important state agency and I look forward to seeing the great work ahead,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“Congratulations to Laura on her selection as Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director. In the time Laura has been Acting Director she has shown remarkable leadership, a commitment to engaging with stakeholders, and an ability to connect with the CPW team,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “Laura is more than up to the task to lead our nation-leading parks and wildlife agency and I look forward to her contributions to carry out CPW's critical mission for Colorado to protect our wildlife, provide unparalleled state park and outdoor recreation experiences, and foster our state’s hunting and fishing legacy. I also greatly appreciate the CPW team and stakeholders who participated in the CPW Director hiring process and the Parks and Wildlife Commissioners for their leadership and commitment to CPW.”
Clellan brings extensive executive management, organizational leadership, and public service experience to the role. In her civilian career, she served as Chief for Leadership and Employee Development for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Lakewood and worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For the State of Colorado, she previously served as Adjutant General and Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs before retiring from that role in October 2025.
Director Clellan has more than three decades of decorated military service, including multiple overseas deployments. Her leadership during the agency’s recent transition helped ensure continued progress on CPW’s wildlife management, conservation, outdoor recreation, and stakeholder engagement priorities. Her background reflects a strong commitment to service, operational excellence, and team development.
“I am thrilled to welcome Laura Clellan to the Director position at Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” said Rich Reading, Chair of the Commission. “As Acting Director she has already demonstrated her strong leadership skills and deft abilities at handling complex problems. I look forward to working with Director Clellan during the rest of my tenure on the Parks and Wildlife Commission and am confident she will excel in this position.”
“I’m honored to be selected as the Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” said Clellan. “This agency’s mission to perpetuate the state's wildlife resources, provide a quality state parks system, and offer enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations is something I care deeply about, and I’m grateful for the trust the Commission has placed in me. I look forward to continuing to listen and work with our employees, partners, and communities across Colorado as we work together to serve the people and natural resources of this state.”
Clellan will assume the role of Director effective immediately. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources congratulate Laura Clellan on her appointment and look forward to her continued leadership of the agency.
About Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation. The agency manages a statewide system of state parks and wildlife areas, oversees hunting and fishing licensing, and works to protect and enhance wildlife habitat across Colorado. CPW’s mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, provide a quality state parks system, and deliver balanced outdoor recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of present and future generations.