Meghan Hertel was officially sworn in to lead the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), bringing a background in biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and science-based resource management to the role. As director, Hertel will oversee management of California’s fish and wildlife populations, habitat restoration efforts, and sustainable hunting and fishing, while working with Tribes, rural communities, landowners, and outdoor stakeholders across the state. Hertel most recently served as deputy secretary of biodiversity and habitat at the California Natural Resources Agency. (Hertel is a graduate of the Water Education Foundation’s California Water Leaders program).