Press Release: 8/11/2026

Dr. Eve Schlüter Appointed Director of MassWildlife

 

Experienced conservation leader becomes first woman to lead the agency.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

8/10/2026

 

WESTBOROUGH — The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) announced today that Dr. Everose (Eve) Schlüter will serve as its next Director. Schlüter, who has served as Acting Director since January, brings nearly two decades of experience at MassWildlife and a distinguished record of leadership in wildlife conservation, endangered species protection, public policy, and strategic planning. As Director, she will oversee the agency’s work to conserve the Commonwealth’s fish and wildlife, protect and restore habitat, expand opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation, and strengthen partnerships with communities and conservation organizations across Massachusetts. Schlüter’s appointment marks a historic milestone for MassWildlife, making her the first woman to serve as Director.

“I am deeply honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to lead an agency that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Schlüter. “I recognize the tremendous responsibility that comes with advancing MassWildlife’s mission, and I am proud to do that work alongside our outstanding staff, whose dedication, expertise, and passion make our success possible every day. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners and the diverse communities we serve to advance science-based conservation, expand opportunities to connect with the outdoors, and strengthen the agency’s impact. Together, we will conserve the Commonwealth’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources for generations to come.”

“Appointing the Director of MassWildlife is one of the Board’s most important responsibilities,” said Emma Ellsworth, Chair of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. “Following a nationwide search, we are confident that Dr. Eve Schlüter has the experience, vision, and leadership needed to guide the agency forward. Her commitment to science-based conservation, outdoor recreation, and strong partnerships will position MassWildlife for continued success for years to come. We are excited to see what the talented team at MassWildlife will accomplish under her continued leadership.”

Before becoming Acting Director, Schlüter served as MassWildlife’s Deputy Director from 2023 to 2025, helping establish and implement agency priorities and overseeing major program areas, including fisheries, wildlife, endangered species, operations, and land and habitat conservation. She also helped lead the development of Massachusetts’ statewide biodiversity conservation goals and worked to strengthen coordination across the agency’s land acquisition, stewardship, and habitat-management programs.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching Dr. Schlüter grow into this leadership role, and it’s been exciting to see her bring both passion and purpose to MassWildlife,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “As MassWildlife continues to grow—protecting biodiversity, restoring habitat, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, and helping communities adapt to new conservation challenges—I can’t think of a better person to lead the agency into its next chapter. I look forward to seeing all she and the MassWildlife team will accomplish.”

“Dr. Eve Schlüter’s expertise is invaluable, and she has already demonstrated exceptional leadership during her tenure as Acting Director of MassWildlife,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Throughout that time, she has earned the respect of her colleagues and partners through her clear vision, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to conservation. She brings extensive expertise in wildlife policy, conservation, and strategic planning, along with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping wildlife conservation today. These qualities make her exceptionally well positioned to lead the agency. We are excited to see how her leadership will continue to strengthen the agency and advance its mission.”

Dr. Eve Schlüter with the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. From left: Malcolm Haith, Matthew Sisk, Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O'Shea, Dr. Eve Schlüter, John Hitt, Deborah Rocque, Kyla Hastie, Emma Ellsworth.

Earlier in her career, Schlüter served as Assistant Director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, where she directed conservation science, habitat restoration, species recovery, information management, and regulatory review. She led the redevelopment of BioMap, a statewide conservation-planning resource created in partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts.

Schlüter also previously served as Assistant Director of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office and held several positions focused on implementing the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Across these roles, she developed extensive experience working at the intersection of science, policy, regulation, and public administration.

As Director, Schlüter will provide strategic direction for MassWildlife’s conservation, regulatory, public-engagement, and recreation programs. Her priorities will include advancing the state’s biodiversity conservation goals, strengthening climate resilience, supporting sustainable wildlife and fisheries management, promoting equitable access to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, and securing long-term funding for the agency. 

Schlüter, who lives in Maynard, holds a doctorate in biology, with a research focus in conservation biology, from Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and literature from Claremont McKenna College. Her public-service recognitions include a Governor’s Citation for advancing the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s climate and resiliency goals and the Commonwealth’s Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service for her work on the Biodiversity Executive Order project. 



Statements of Support

Paul Johansen, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies: 

"Dr. Eve Schlüter is a proven conservation leader who brings an exceptional depth of knowledge, experience, and vision to this role. She has a deep understanding of how state fish and wildlife agencies deliver conservation on the ground and recognizes that lasting success depends on strong partnerships and meaningful collaboration. Her ability to foster productive relationships across agencies, organizations, and stakeholders will help advance conservation efforts and drive measurable results for fish, wildlife, and their habitats at both the regional and national levels." 

David O’Neill, President & CEO of Mass Audubon:

“As the Commonwealth’s largest conservation organization and a partner with the state in addressing biodiversity loss and climate resilience for people and wildlife, Mass Audubon is thrilled with the appointment of Dr. Eve Schlüter as the next Director of MassWildlife. We’ve been fortunate to partner with Dr. Schlüter for years and her expertise, experience, and recent success as MassWildlife’s Acting Director are proof that the future of conservation in the Commonwealth is in highly capable hands.”

Christopher Borgatti, Eastern Policy & Conservation Manager of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers:

“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers commends the appointment of Dr. Eve Schlüter as Director of MassWildlife. Her proven leadership and dedication to science-based management will be an asset in conserving fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. We look forward to partnering with her to advance conservation priorities, protect and expand public access, and promote hunting, fishing, and wildlife-dependent recreation for all who cherish the outdoors." 

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