EBS STAFF
On Dec. 6, the Governor’s Office announced that Christy Clark, the current director of the Montana Department of Agriculture, will serve as Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ next director, with current Director Dustin Temple set to retire this month.
In a press release, Gov. Greg Gianforte described Clark’s suitability for the role.
“Christy Clark is a strong leader with the skills needed to lead the agency tasked with protecting Montana’s cherished recreational opportunities and public access to public lands,” Gianforte stated. “With her record of leadership, I am confident in her as she takes on this new role at FWP. I appreciate her willingness to serve in this new capacity after her successful tenure at MDA.”
Zach Coccoli, MDA’s deputy director, will take on the interim director position in the state agriculture department.
“After spending more than 20 years ranching and raising kids, my passion for advocating for agriculture brought me to the Montana Department of Agriculture where it has been an honor to serve Montana and its producers as Director,” Clark stated in the release. “I’m equally passionate about our state’s hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities, which truly make Montana, Montana. I’m grateful to Governor Gianforte for this opportunity to continue serving the people of Montana.”
Before serving as director of MDA, Clark worked as the deputy director, agricultural sciences administrator and agricultural marketing bureau chief. She served as a representative for Choteau in the Montana Legislature.
