Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang

Doug Vincent-Lang spent his 34-year public service career at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before accepting the position of commissioner in January 2019.

A scientist with a focus on fulfilling the department's mission, Vincent-Lang began work at the department as a fisheries research and management biologist for the Division of Sport Fish in 1981. He held the positions of regional management and research coordinator and assistant director for 28 years in the Division of Sport Fish

During his tenure at the Division of Sport Fish, Vincent-Lang worked on a number of high-level research and policy issues for the state. He evaluated habitat needs and instream flow requirements of fish while working on the feasibility assessment of the Susitna River Hydro-electric project. He was instrumental in integrating planning into the management of Alaska's recreational fisheries by leading an effort to develop and implement the first-ever strategic plan for the Division of Sport Fish.

In 2012 he was named Director of the Division of Wildlife where he managed Alaska's wildlife under the sustained yield principles and public trust doctrine principles. He led legislative wildlife issues on the state, national and international levels.

In addition to his experience in both fisheries and wildlife management, Doug has served as the Endangered Species Act Coordinator for the State of Alaska. He has represented the State of Alaska on a wide range of policy issues including climate change, arctic, and marine policy issues.

He holds a B.S. degree in biology/population dynamics from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay and a M.S. degree in Biological Oceanography from the University of Alaska – Fairbanks.

Vincent-Lang lives in Anchorage with his wife of 35 years. He has three children and is teaching his granddaughter to fish, hunt and enjoy Alaska's outdoors.

His priorities as Commissioner include:

• Putting food — both fish and wildlife — on the plates of Alaskans. Food security is important to many of our citizens and we must ensure they have predictable and ample access to fish and wildlife. This includes the active management of our resources towards this end.
• Protection and maintenance of our state right and authority to manage our fish and game resources.
• Building trust with the citizens we serve. Alaskans have entrusted their resources to our care and we must maintain constant dialogue to ensure we are managing them in their best interests and well-being.
• Ensuring the Department is contributing to the Alaskan economy and our citizen's well-being.
• Expanding outreach/education efforts to ensure we have the next generation of hunters, fishers, trappers and professionals.
• Look for cost efficiencies and revenue generation ideas with an eye towards developing a world class agency.