One new member appointed, Ragen reappointed to Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission

OLYMPIA – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed two members to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Lynn O’Connor is appointed to an Eastern Washington position. O’Connor is a resident of Ferry County in northeast Washington. She started and ran the Colville Sign Company in Colville for 20 years and worked as a park aide and ranger for several years.

Tim Ragen was also re-appointed to the Commission in a Western Washington position. Ragen lives in Skagit County and is retired from a long career in marine mammal research, including serving as the former executive director of the Marine Mammal Commission. Ragen was first appointed to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in January 2022 and has served as Vice Chair of the Commission since 2024.

“I am excited to continue to serve on the Fish and Wildlife Commission,” Ragen said. “It has been an honor to work on fish and wildlife conservation and serve the people of Washington. I also want to welcome the new commissioner – we have a lot of work ahead, and I am ready to dig into the issues.”

One Eastern Washington position was previously filled by Molly Linville, who served as the Habitat Committee Chair. Linville served on the Fish and Wildlife Commission since 2019.

“We will miss Molly’s spark and easy sense of humor,” Chair Barbara Baker said. “And, she had a knack for reminding us to employ grace when meetings got tense. She is a passionate advocate for her causes, and we don’t expect that to change whether she is on the Commission or not.”

The Commission is a nine-person citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Commission is comprised of three members from Western Washington, three from Eastern Washington, and three “at-large” members who may reside anywhere in the state. No two Commission members can reside in the same county.

Commissioners are appointed to six-year terms. Appointees are subject to confirmation by the state Senate, which is currently in session. However, members are official upon appointment and serve as voting members on the Commission while awaiting Senate confirmation.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.