Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, announced that Jeff Davis has stepped down as Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Davis will transition to a new role as Senior Policy Advisor for Strategic Priorities in the Department of Natural Resources Executive Director’s Office. Major General Laura Clellan, who recently retired as Adjutant General and Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, has been appointed Acting Director. The search for a permanent CPW director is set to begin soon, with Clellan starting her new duties on December 1, 2025.
Governor Jared Polis commented on the leadership change: “We thank Jeff for his leadership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and are grateful that he will continue to serve the state of Colorado. I’m also grateful to have Major General Clellan step in as Acting Director while we work with and support the Commission in searching for a new director to lead this critical agency. Colorado Parks and Wildlife helps steward Colorado’s incredible public lands and ensures that Coloradans can enjoy them, while managing the wildlife that call our state home. We are excited for this next chapter at CPW.”
Dan Gibbs acknowledged Davis’s contributions during his tenure: “Jeff Davis came to Colorado Parks and Wildlife during a period of uncertainty and change with a number of significant wildlife and recreation issues landing at his feet almost immediately. He transitions leaving a Division which is in a much better place internally as well as a notable record of achievement and progress in areas of building a stronger culture, wildlife management, and stakeholder involvement and engagement,” said Gibbs. “I greatly appreciate Jeff’s leadership, humor and integrity during his time as Director and look forward to his continuing contributions at the Department of Natural Resources. I also appreciate Retired U.S. Army Major General Laura Clellan agreeing to serve as Acting Director while we move forward on a hiring process.”
Major General Clellan brings extensive experience from both military service and civilian roles related to natural resources management. She previously served as Chief for Leadership and Employee Development at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Lakewood, worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, served as Adjutant General for Colorado before retiring in October 2025, and has over thirty years of military service including multiple overseas deployments.
Reflecting on his time at CPW, Davis stated: “I was honored to work with an amazing team and set of individuals at Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” said Jeff Davis. “I look forward to focusing on DNR strategic priorities including strategies to increase biodiversity and continuing my service to the people, wildlife and environment of Colorado.”
Major General Clellan expressed her commitment moving forward: “I appreciate Director Gibbs’ and the Governor’s confidence to take this Acting role at Colorado Parks and Wildlife, our nation’s leading wildlife agency,” said Major General Clellan. “Our wildlife, environment and Colorado’s outdoor legacy have been part of my values and ones I drew upon during my time at US Fish and Wildlife Service. Going forward, my goal will be to keep CPW’s important wildlife, conservation, hunting and angling, and recreation initiatives moving forward until a CPW Director is hired.”
