Rusty Garrison To Lead WRD

New WRD Director Rusty Garrison, pictured here teaching gun safety to youth during an event at Charlie Elliott, has been with DNR for 18 years.

From DNR Release

On July 20, DNR Commissioner Mark Williams announced the appointment of Rusty Garrison as the new Director of the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR.

Rusty has been with DNR for 18 years, having served most recently as the manager of the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield. Rusty has served in numerous capacities with DNR—roles such as Assistant Chief of Game Management and State Coordinator of Project WILD. Before his career with DNR, Rusty worked for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service for nearly nine years. Rusty holds the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and a Master of Science in Wildlife Biology, both from the University of Georgia.

Rusty is active in his local community having previously volunteered as a fire fighter and first responder for his county EMS. He is also currently the Chief of the DNR Mountain Search and Rescue Team. Rusty has traveled to more than 65 countries while on mission trips and remains active in his local church. He is married to his wife Sue, has three daughters and is a proud grandfather.

The WRD Director leads the DNR division tasked with conserving, enhancing and promoting Georgia’s Wildlife Resources, including game and nongame species, fish and protected plants. The Wildlife Resources Division is comprised of three sections—Game Management, Fisheries Management and Nongame Conservation. Rusty will assume his role on Aug. 1, and the Board of Natural Resources will take action to approve his appointment at the August Board Meeting.

“Rusty brings a wealth of experience, leadership and vision to the Wildlife Resources Division,” said Commissioner Williams. “I’m delighted Rusty will step up to the challenge of leading this Division, and I am confident that he will be an asset to all Georgians in the protection of our State’s precious resources.”