Tennessee Names Arkansas Wildlife Director to Lead TWRA

Hunting, fishing, and outdoor businesses should watch for policy shifts when the new director takes over January 4, 2027.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People

Tennessee Names Arkansas Wildlife Director to Lead TWRA

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The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission has appointed Doug Schoenrock, currently director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, as Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), effective January 4, 2027. The appointment follows the retirement of Jason Maxedon, effective November 30, 2026, and the position oversees the agency's more than 700 employees.

Why it matters

The TWRA Executive Director sets direction for an agency with a budget of approximately $180 million that governs hunting, fishing, and wildlife-related activity across the state, so the leadership change shapes how the agency operates for businesses tied to outdoor recreation and wildlife commerce. The Commission acted now because Maxedon announced his retirement in July 2026, citing largely family considerations, and an interim leader is needed in the gap.

The players

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

The state agency that manages hunting, fishing, and wildlife resources in Tennessee, overseeing more than 700 employees and an annual budget of approximately $180 million.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission

The governing body that appoints the TWRA Executive Director and sets policy for the state's wildlife and fishing regulations.

Doug Schoenrock

The incoming TWRA Executive Director, who has led the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission since April 2025 and is 67 years old.

Jason Maxedon

The outgoing TWRA Executive Director who announced his retirement in July 2026, effective November 30, 2026.

Torrey Grimes

TWRA chief legal counsel who will serve as interim Executive Director until Schoenrock takes over.

The details

The Commission selected Schoenrock by unanimous vote during a specially called meeting on Thursday afternoon that lasted less than 10 minutes. Torrey Grimes, the agency's chief legal counsel, will serve as interim Executive Director between Maxedon's departure on November 30, 2026 and Schoenrock's start date. Schoenrock, 67, has led the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission since April 21, 2025.

April 21, 2025: Schoenrock began serving as Arkansas Game and Fish Commission director.
July 21, 2026: Maxedon announced his retirement in a video message to employees.
November 5, 2026: The Commission appointed Schoenrock at a special meeting.
November 30, 2026: Maxedon's retirement becomes effective, with Grimes serving as interim director.
January 4, 2027: Schoenrock officially takes over as TWRA Executive Director.

Market Landscape

State wildlife agencies such as the TWRA are governed by commissions that appoint executive directors to manage licensing, regulation, and enforcement affecting hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation businesses. Leadership transitions like this one bring a new director with prior state wildlife commission experience from Arkansas into a governance structure that sets the regulatory environment for the state's outdoor economy.

Businesses in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation should monitor the transition period from November 30, 2026 to January 4, 2027, when an interim director leads the agency. Operators in these sectors should watch for any shifts in licensing, regulatory priorities, or enforcement approach once Schoenrock assumes the role.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions at state wildlife agencies can shift regulatory priorities, so operators in outdoor recreation should track the new director's early policy signals after January 4, 2027. Watch for announcements from the TWRA regarding licensing or rule changes during the interim period led by Torrey Grimes.

What happens next

Schoenrock officially takes over as TWRA Executive Director on January 4, 2027, and Grimes serves as interim director from Maxedon's November 30, 2026 departure until then.