Jonathan Gassett, Ph.D.

Jon Gassett served as Commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) for eight years. As Commissioner, he provided general supervision and control of all activities, functions, appointments, and employees of the KDFWR. Primary responsibilities included oversight of all agency divisions including, but not limited to, strategic planning, personnel management, program oversight, budget development and tracking, and statutory, regulatory, and policy development. Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Jon served as Wildlife Division Director (four years) and Big Game Coordinator (two years) with the KDFWR. Jon has served as President of the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and has chaired numerous committees in all three Associations. Jon serves on the Board of Directors of the National Conservation Leadership Institute and the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative. 

Jon is a graduate of the inaugural class of the National Conservation Leadership Institute and holds a Ph.D. and M.S degree in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia and a B.S. degree in Biology from Kennesaw State University.