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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced the selection of Cynthia Martinez as the agency’s chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  Martinez, a 21-year veteran of the agency, has served as the Service’s deputy chief for the refuge system since 2012.

As chief, Martinez will lead management of the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants.  The refuge system comprises more than 150 million acres and 556 units.  There is a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service� for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge in every state and U.S. territory.

“Cynthia is a great fit for this position,â€� said Ashe. “She possesses a diversity of experience working within the Service and National Wildlife Refuge System.  Cynthia also demonstrates the strong leadership and innovation the Service needs as we continue to introduce new generations of Americans to conservation.â€�

Martinez previously managed the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Nevada â€� one of the largest wildlife refuge complexes in the continental United States.  She also served as an assistant field supervisor working on endangered species issues and as a fish biologist.  Within headquarters, Martinez oversaw the development of the Conserving the Future initiative, the Service’s renewed vision for the growth and management of the refuge system, and currently leads efforts on the Service’s Urban Wildlife Initiative. 

Martinez began her career as a student trainee in the Service’s Arizona State Office in Phoenix.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University and a Masters of Science degree from the University of Arizona.  She and her husband Kenny have a daughter and a son.