The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service welcomed a new regional director today
as Tom Melius took the helm of the eight-state Midwest Region,
headquartered in Ft. Snelling, Minn. Prior to his Midwest region post, he
completed a successful watch over the vast, rugged expanse of the Service’s
Alaska region.
In his new role, Melius will govern over a region that employs 1,088
people, manages 1.29 million acres of land and has field offices in eight
states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and
Wisconsin.
A native of the Great Plains, Melius has a rich background and brings a
wealth of experience to the Midwest. Prior to his stewardship in Alaska,
he served as Assistant Director for External Affairs in the Washington
Office from March 2003 to April of 2006. He oversaw the national programs
for Public Affairs, Congressional and Legislative Affairs, and the office
of the Native American Liaison. He also provided oversight to the Service's
National Conservation Training Center located in Shepherdstown, West
Virginia.
Prior to his time in External Affairs, Melius served as Assistant Director
for Migratory Birds and State Programs. In that position he developed
policy, advised the Directorate, and served as its representative on issues
relating to the conservation and management of migratory birds,
implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and wetlands
programs, Federal Duck Stamps, federal grant programs, and conservation
partnerships. He was responsible for and directed the offices of Migratory
Bird Management, Bird Habitat Conservation, Conservation Partnership
Liaison, and Federal Aid.
From July 1997 to October 1998, Melius was the Director of Conservation
Policy and Senior Advisor at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Between January of 1995 and June of 1997, he was a Senior Professional
Staff member on the U.S. Senate's Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, where he formulated policy for fishery management with the
National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Coast Guard; and for coastal
programs with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He also
advised the Committee on international conservation matters involving
wildlife trade, marine mammals, and endangered species.
From 1985 to 1995, Melius was a professional staff member on the Committee
on Merchant Marine and Fisheries in the U.S. House of Representatives.
There he advised the Committee on issues concerning fish and wildlife
legislation.
In 1973 and 1975, Melius earned his B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology and a
M.S. degree in Fish and Wildlife Science from South Dakota State
University. His broad range of experience, within and outside the
Service, has left him well qualified to deal with the challenges and
stewardship opportunities throughout the diverse Midwest lands and waters.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for
the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and
trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific
excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated
professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our
work and the people who make it happen, visit
http://www.fws.gov
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