The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) held a special-called meeting in Nashville on November 5 to appoint the next Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Commission Chair Greg Davenport announced Doug Schoenrock has been selected to fill the position created by the retirement of current Executive Director Jason Maxedon. The vote to approve the search committee’s recommendation was unanimous from the Commissioners in attendance.
Schoenrock has served as the Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission since May 2025. His conservation experience also includes more than 30 years of volunteer work with Ducks Unlimited (DU), where he served as the 45th President in 2020, then Chairman of the Board until July 2024. While a volunteer with DU, he worked to develop conservation strategies, manage large-scale habitat projects, and foster partnerships with stakeholders. Schoenrock holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science from the University of Tennessee. He is a dedicated hunter and lifetime outdoorsman. He will start his career with the Agency at the start of the new year.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to join the team at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency,” said Schroenrock. “As a young man growing up in rural Tennessee, I fell in love with the woods and waters of this state, and I am excited to return home to my Tennessee roots to advance wildlife conservation.”
TWRA’s Executive Director, Jason Maxedon, announced his retirement from the Agency earlier this year. He began his career with TWRA in 2000 as a Wetlands Forester where he worked to restore bottomland hardwoods in West Tennessee. He continued his career as a Wildlife Management Area Manager, then as the Region I Wildlife and Forestry Program Manager. He moved into statewide leadership to serve as Deputy Director of Field Operations before being appointed by the TFWC as Executive Director in 2022. His last day with the Agency is November 30, 2026.
“It has been an honor to spend my career with TWRA,” said Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “I have had the opportunity to personally know and serve as a State Director alongside Doug, and I am confident that he will bring strong leadership and a commitment to science-based conservation to the Agency. I am looking forward to stepping into retirement knowing the Agency is in good hands.”
The TFWC is the governing body of the TWRA. The 13-member commission, appointed by the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House, are responsible for Agency budget authorization, setting rules and regulations, and hiring authority for the TWRA Executive Director. The Commission received 53 applications for the position, with eight being selected for interviews.
“One of the most important roles of the Commission is ensuring TWRA is lead by someone committed to moving in a positive direction, prioritizes accountability, and has a deep understanding of conservation and the outdoors,” said Chairman Greg Davenport. “After several months and a comprehensive search, we are confident in our decision to appoint Doug Schoenrock. I am grateful for the work of Commissioner Chip Saltsman, who served as the search committee chair, as well as the members of the committee, for their diligent efforts throughout the process.”
During the interim period between Director Maxedon’s retirement and Director Schoenrock’s arrival, the Commission selected TWRA General Counsel Torrey Grimes to serve as Interim TWRA Director.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
