*Published Friday, February 6, 2026*

Meghan Hertel has been appointed director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hertel most recently served as deputy secretary for biodiversity and habitat at the California Natural Resources Agency, a role she has held since 2024.

Previously, Hertel was North American director of the Land Life Co. from 2022 to 2024. From 2010 to 2022, she held multiple leadership roles at Audubon California, including director of land and water conservation, interim state co-director, director of working lands, associate director of public policy and San Joaquin River project manager. Earlier in her career, Hertel served as a conservation program administrator at the Resources Legacy Fund from 2007 to 2010.

Staff contact: Steven Fenaroli, [sfenaroli@cfbf.com](mailto:sfenaroli@cfbf.com).

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Names New Director

https://mura.cfbf.com/index.cfm/_api/json/v1/cfbv2/content/D2F3A721-52CA-4D93-8B0468114181DA04/relatedcontent

Meghan Hertel has been named director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. She previously served at the state Natural Resources Agency and held leadership roles at Land Life Co., Audubon California, and Resources Legacy Fund.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Names New Director

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