Named executive director in March 2007, John P. Donnelly graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a concentration on real estate and land use management. His public service career began at the Department of Fish and Game in 1988 as the realty services coordinator. For eight years, he focused on the acquisition of mitigation properties required under California Endangered Species Act and Streambed Alteration agreements issued by the department.

In 1996, Donnelly moved to the Wildlife Conservation Board as a senior land agent, and took over management of the board’s acquisition programs in 2001. He was named assistant executive director in 2004 and interim executive director in 2006. 

In the past, Donnelly served as president of the Organization of Wildlife Lands and Realty Specialists, an affiliate of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 

WCB Selects John Donnelly as Interim Executive Director (Fishing.us)

Wildlife Conservation Board Names John Donnelly Executive Director (Department of Fish and Game)