Steve Ferrell, who has been deputy director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department since 1999, has been named the new director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department by Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal.

Ferrell, who started at Arizona Game and Fish in 1975, succeeds current Wyoming Game and Fish Director Terry Cleveland, who will retire on June 30 after 39 years of service with his department.

“I’ve had a wonderful career at Arizona Game and Fish and will miss the relationships I’ve developed with the talented and dedicated professionals here, but I’m looking forward to this exciting new opportunity,” said Ferrell. “I feel fortunate to have the chance to move from one leading wildlife agency to another.”

Ferrell was one of three finalists chosen by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.

“We commend Steve on his outstanding career here,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry Voyles. “He has worked tirelessly for the interests of the state’s wildlife resources and has served the state and its citizens in an exemplary manner. We are justifiably proud to see one of our own at the helm of another very fine state wildlife agency, and we wish Steve the best in his new role in Wyoming.”

Ferrell held numerous positions during his career at Arizona Game and Fish, including wildlife assistant, wildlife manager, habitat evaluation specialist, research program supervisor, regional supervisor, assistant director, and deputy director.

“My wife and I have felt a long-time attraction to Wyoming, and had planned to relocate to the state in coming years,” Ferrell said. “This is a very exciting opportunity for us, and I look forward to this new role.”