Kurt Davis is the new Arizona Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) chairman for the agency’s 2015-2016 fiscal year.

Davis, who took office July 1, succeeds Robert Mansell who will continue to serve on the commission until his successor is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

"Serving on a commission dedicated to conserving and protecting Arizona's wildlife - more than 800 species - is an honor of a lifetime,” Davis said.

“I look forward to helping set policy for the nation's premier wildlife agency, and representing our constituents, who are the true funders of conservation.”

An avid hunter and angler, Davis seeks to accomplish three primary goals as AGFC chairman:

1 – Create greater awareness and increased support of Arizona's primacy role in managing wildlife and for the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

2 – Facilitate long-term planning and implementation for new and expanded service and product models to stabilize long-term revenue sources for the department;

3 – Enhance critical scientific, wildlife management, law enforcement and recreational opportunities well into the future.

Davis is a founding partner of FirstStrategic Communications and Public Affairs, a Phoenix Valley-based firm specializing in strategic public policy development for non-profit clients on issues relating to rural Arizona and government relations.

He served as vice president of public affairs and marketing at Northern Arizona University, and vice president of public affairs and corporate communications at Rural/Metro which provides fire and ambulance services to communities across the nation.

In addition, Davis was deputy chief of staff and executive assistant in the office of former Arizona Governor Fife Symington.

The commission oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It establishes rules and regulations for the management and conservation of wildlife and fisheries resources, and for safe and regulated watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations for Arizona residents.

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