White House Announces Nomination of Martha Williams as Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service

10/22/2021
Last edited 10/22/2021

Date: Thursday, October 21, 2021
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON —The White House today announced the intent to nominate Martha Williams as Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Martha has been serving as Principal Deputy Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service since January 20, 2021, exercising the delegable authority of the Director. The nomination will now be considered by the U.S. Senate.

“Martha brings with her decades of experience, deep knowledge, and a passion for conservation, wildlife management, and natural resources stewardship,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “I look forward to continuing to work with her as the Department carries out its mission to protect America’s most precious resources and as we answer President Biden’s call to action to conserve, connect, and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife upon which we all depend on.”

Prior to her appointment, Martha served as the Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks from 2017 to 2020. Previously, Martha was an Assistant Professor of Law at the Blewett School of Law at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana where she co-directed the university’s Land Use and Natural Resources Clinic.

Martha returns to Interior after serving as Deputy Solicitor for Parks and Wildlife between 2011 and 2013, providing counsel to the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Growing up on a farm in Maryland, Martha gained an appreciation for open lands, waters, wildlife, and people. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Montana School of Law.

###

  • Press Release
    a sillhouette of a person kayak fishing while floating on a large body of water. The sun sets behind them and the sky is colored blue and yellow
    08/27/2025

    Interior Expands Hunting and Fishing Access at Refuges and Hatcheries

    The Department of the Interior today announced 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This final update more than triples the number of opportunities and quintuples the number of units opened or expanded compared to the previous administration, underscoring a strong national commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation. 

    Read more
  • Press Release
    A duck floating in a body of water.
    08/04/2025

    Interior Department Announces $102.9 Million for Wetland Conservation Projects 

    The Department of the Interior today announced $102.9 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act funding has been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, providing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners the ability to conserve, restore or enhance 548,242 acres of critical wetland and associated upland habitat for migratory birds across North America. Partners will provide more than $201.2 million in matching funds.

    Read more

Was this page helpful?

Please provide a comment