The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board has forwarded the names of four candidates to the Office of Gov. Katie Hobbs for consideration in filling the upcoming 2025 vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Patrick Cooley of Yuma, Leslie James of Eager, Kurt Kerr of Pinetop, and Jessica Manuell of Parks were selected from seven candidates interviewed by the board at its public meeting on Nov. 14 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters in Phoenix.

The governor's nominee, pending confirmation by the Arizona Senate, will replace Todd Geiler, whose 5-year term expires at the end of this year.

Per Arizona State Statute 17-202, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall assist the governor by interviewing, evaluating and recommending candidates for appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The board shall recommend at least two, but no more than five, candidates to the governor. The

governor must select and appoint a commissioner from the list submitted by the board.

Commissioners, once confirmed by the Arizona Senate, serve 5-year terms.

For additional information about the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board, contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542-2449 or toll free at 1-800-253-0883 or visit https://bc.azgovernor.gov/.

For more information on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, visit https://www.azgfd.com/about-arizona-game-fish/commission-public-information/about-the-commission/.