MassWildlife Names First Woman To Lead Agency

WESTBOROUGH, MA — A woman has been appointed to lead the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for the first time.

Dr. Everose "Eve" Schlüter was selected by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board following a nationwide search, MassWildlife announced Monday. She has served as acting director since January and will oversee the Westborough-based agency's efforts to conserve fish and wildlife, restore habitats and expand access to hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation.

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"I am deeply honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to lead an agency that has meant so much to me throughout my career," Schlüter said in a statement.

Schlüter has worked at MassWildlife for nearly two decades. She served as deputy director from 2023 to 2025, overseeing fisheries, wildlife, endangered species, operations and land and habitat conservation programs.

She previously served as assistant director of the agency's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, where she directed conservation science, habitat restoration, species recovery and regulatory reviews. She also led the redevelopment of BioMap, a statewide conservation-planning resource created with The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts.

"Following a nationwide search, we are confident that Dr. Eve Schlüter has the experience, vision and leadership needed to guide the agency forward," Fisheries and Wildlife Board Chair Emma Ellsworth said.

Schlüter's priorities will include advancing Massachusetts' biodiversity conservation goals, strengthening climate resilience and supporting sustainable wildlife and fisheries management, according to MassWildlife. She will also focus on equitable access to outdoor recreation and securing long-term funding for the agency.

Before joining MassWildlife, Schlüter served as assistant director of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office and held several positions involving implementation of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.

Schlüter lives in Maynard and holds a doctorate in biology from Tufts University and a bachelor's degree in biology and literature from Claremont McKenna College.

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