BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced the appointment of Tom O'Shea to the role of Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). 

 

DFG works to preserve the state's natural resources and protect and manage marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and the habitats that support them. O'Shea starts on May 1.

 

"DFG plays a unique and important role in merging nature and culture. With Tom O'Shea at the helm, Massachusetts will be better positioned to prepare for, recover from, and adapt to climate change while bolstering our habitat resilience," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "His experience will be critical in helping the Healey-Driscoll Administration to secure a future with clean air, healthy landscapes, wildlife populations, and abundant recreational opportunities."

 

Tom O'Shea comes to DFG from The Trustees, where he most recently served as Vice President of Conservation and Resilience, leading the conservation and climate agenda. Prior to his role at The Trustees overseeing land conservation, advocacy and policy, agriculture, coastal resilience and ecology, he served as an Assistant Director for DFG's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Tom earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, a Master of Forestry from Yale University's School of Environment, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine. He is an outdoorsman and triathlete who resides in Holden with his wife and son.

 

"I'm honored and excited to return to DFG and join the Healey-Driscoll Administration as Massachusetts steps up its mitigation strategies and resiliency efforts for the natural resources our residents love most," added O'Shea. "The Commonwealth is home to countless scenic landscapes. I'm looking forward to this urgent and significant moment for meaningful and proactive action towards climate resilience, access to nature and outdoor recreation, and the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats."