The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission has appointed Laura Clellan as the new Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The decision was made after a public notice period and a special virtual meeting. Clellan had been serving as Acting Director since December 1, 2025, providing leadership during the transition while a formal search process took place.
Governor Jared Polis commented on the appointment, stating: “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.”
Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, said: “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. 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’s background includes executive management roles at both federal agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Lakewood—where she was Chief for Leadership and Employee Development—and at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She also served as Adjutant General for Colorado’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs until retiring in October 2025.
She brings more than thirty years of military service with multiple overseas deployments. During her time as Acting Director, she maintained progress on key priorities including wildlife management, conservation efforts, outdoor recreation programs, and engagement with stakeholders.
Rich Reading, Chair of the Commission, stated: “I am thrilled to welcome Laura Clellan to the Director position at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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.”
Upon being named director, Clellan said: “I’m honored to be selected as the Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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 takes over immediately as director.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife manages statewide parks systems along with hunting/fishing licensing programs while working toward conservation goals within its mission statement.
