CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission was recently named the Commission of the Year by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
According to a release from Game and Fish, the award recognizes a commission or board that has made significant contributions to the management, protection or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources within the last five years. The association represents 23 states and several Canadian provinces with a focus on building partnerships among state, federal and nonprofit organizations to conserve wildlife for public use and benefit.
Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said the honor reflects the extensive work the commission has performed for conservation efforts across the state.
“Our commissioners demonstrate their commitment to Game and Fish’s mission and Wyoming’s wildlife, and do a great job balancing the complex scientific and socio-economic needs that come with determining effective policies and regulations for our agency,” she said in a statement.
In addition to the top commission honor, two staff members from the Game and Fish Department received individual recognition for their contributions.
Dave Zafft, the deputy chief of fisheries, was named Professional of the Year.
Zafft’s career with the department began in 1986 as a seasonal technician, and he later earned a master’s degree in fisheries biology in 1991. Over more than three decades, he has held various roles including regional fisheries biologist, instream flow biologist and fisheries management supervisor.
Christina Maleesa, the department’s federal aid coordinator, was recognized as the WAFWA Outstanding Contributor of the Year for her expertise in grant writing and fiscal management.
Maleesa joined the agency in 2014 and has served in her current role since 2023, while also representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 on a national working group.
“We are proud of both Dave and Christina, and we are grateful for all they do to ensure our ability to continue serving Wyoming and its wildlife,” Bruce said in the release. “Our agency is full of dedicated professionals who help keep Wyoming at the forefront of conservation in the country, and these awards are well-deserved.”
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