John Donnelly has been named interim executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB). Donnelly has served as the WCB's assistant executive director since 2004, and managed the Board's acquisition programs since 1996. He assumed the duties on Sept. 16.

Donnelly replaces Al Wright, who retired after serving nearly six years in the position.

Donnelly, 44, of Elk Grove, began his public service career with the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) in 1988 where he served for eight years as the Realty Services Coordinator. He focused on the acquisition of mitigation properties required under California Endangered Species Act and Streambed Alteration agreements issued by the DFG. He transferred to WCB in 1996 and worked as a Senior Land Agent.

Donnelly received a degree in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento with a concentration on Real Estate and Land Use Management. His work at DFG earned him both a director's achievement award and a sustained superior accomplishment award. He has served as president of the Organization of Wildlife Lands and Realty Specialists, an affiliate of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

The Legislature created WCB in 1947 to administer a program for wildlife conservation and related public access. The Board selects and allocates funds for the purchase of land and waters suitable for protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat and compatible recreation uses.

Since 2000, the Board has provided funds to protect and restore more than 750,000 acres of habitat in California.

The WCB consists of the president of the Fish and Game Commission, the director of DFG and the director of the Department of Finance. Legislation that created WCB also established a legislative advisory committee consisting of three members of the senate and three members of the assembly, which meet with WCB and provide legislative oversight.