News  Kyla Hastie Appointed to Fisheries and Wildlife Board

Kyla Hastie, of Shutesbury, has been appointed by Governor Maura Healey to the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board. The seven-member Fisheries and Wildlife Board supervises the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and reviews and approves regulations related to fish and wildlife before they are promulgated by MassWildlife. Hastie will serve as the wildlife biologist at-large member, replacing John Organ of Buckland.

“I am honored to serve the Commonwealth on the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, and to support science-based fish and wildlife management of the extraordinary biodiversity of Massachusetts,” said Kyla Hastie.

While Kyla has more than 28 years of fish and wildlife conservation experience, her love for nature started at a young age with baiting a hook and cleaning her catch with her father. Before joining the Board, Kyla served as the Northeast Deputy Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 2019 to 2025, and collaborated with tribal governments, nonprofit leaders, local communities, and others to protect and restore habitat while also increasing wildlife recreation opportunities. She led 750 employees to implement and enforce federal wildlife laws like the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, to manage 82 national wildlife refuges and 13 national fish hatcheries, and to administer funds through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Act. Ms. Hastie previously directed communications with news media, Congress, and partners. She also worked as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Georgia, and for The Nature Conservancy developing partnerships with landowners.

"Kyla Hastie is a talented conservation leader with a unique ability to build partnerships and coalitions across boundaries. With decades of experience as a regional director, wildlife biologist, policymaker, and communications professional with the USFWS, she also brings considerable expertise building relationships with Indigenous peoples and Tribes in our region,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “As a Fisheries & Wildlife Board member, she will be a great champion of science-based stewardship, land conservation and restoration, access to outdoor recreation, and fostering meaningful involvement of all people in the care and stewardship of our lands, waters, and wildlife. We are delighted to have Kyla join us. I also want to thank outgoing Board member John Organ for his service and considerable contributions throughout his tenure.”

Kyla holds a bachelor’s degree in biology at Southwestern University (Texas) and a master’s degree in environmental science with a focus in ecology from Indiana University. Additionally, she received a master’s in public administration from Indiana University, which supported her long career working in the federal government.

“Kyla has built her career on advancing fish and wildlife conservation through science, collaboration, and a strong commitment to public service,” said MassWildlife Director Mark S. Tisa. “Her expertise as a wildlife biologist, coupled with her proven leadership at the national level, will be an asset to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board as it continues to support MassWildlife’s mission of conserving biodiversity and expanding public access for outdoor recreation.”

Kyla and her husband Keith live in Shutesbury and are avid hikers and wildlife-watchers. As a lifelong learner, she is currently completing an MBA at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.