The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has selected Scott Kelley as the new director for the Division of Commercial Fisheries.

The position has been vacant since former director Jeff Regnart stepped down at the beginning of October. 

A nearly 25-year veteran of Fish & Game, Kelley will leave a position as coordinator of shellfish and groundfish fisheries in the Southeast region, according to a department-wide letter from Commissioner Sam Cotten. He was expected to begin his new position this week.

Since Regnart stepped down, Division Operating Manager Forrest Bowers has served as the interim director during the recruitment efforts. Regnart had held the position since 2011.

Kelley’s first task will be to represent the department at the Board of Fisheries’ work session in Anchorage, according to the letter.

“His education and experience will be a valued addition to the leadership team,” Cotten wrote.