Dr. Debbie Colbert, Director

Colbert was appointed ODFW director in May 2024 and is the first woman to ever be appointed to the permanent ODFW Director position in the agency’s long history. The first state Fish Commission was legally recognized in 1887 and a combined fish and game agency has existed in Oregon since 1893.

Dr. Colbert’s career includes stints in field work as a fish sampler for the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, as a researcher at sea for several months and studying nutrient cycling in Tillamook Bay. During her time at ODFW, Colbert worked for five years as Deputy Director for Administration and as Deputy Director for Fish and Wildlife Programs (from 2021 until May 2024). She also worked for the Oregon Water Resources Department and as Board of Trustees Administrator for Oregon State University. Debbie earned a B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Oceanography, and Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Oceanography. She was selected as a 2022 National Conservation Leadership Fellow.

Colbert currently lives in Corvallis with her family.

Shaun Clements, Deputy Director

Shaun Clements serves as Deputy Director, overseeing Oregon’s fish, wildlife, habitat, and information programs. Since joining the agency in 2007, Shaun has worked across all four corners of Oregon—and many places in between—supporting efforts to manage natural resources and connect people with the outdoors. He holds a BSc and MSc in biology and a PhD in fisheries, and was selected as a 2013 National Conservation Leadership Initiative fellow. Whether on the coast or in the high desert, Shaun enjoys spending time outdoors and is passionate about Oregon’s diverse fish and wildlife.

Ken oversees the administrative functions of the agency, which includes Administrative Services, Human Resources, Information Systems, and Budget Services. These divisions and programs provide customer service and technical assistance to the department and customers.

Ken has worked for ODFW since 2007, most recently serving as the Administrative Services Division Administrator. Prior to that, Ken worked in a variety of positions in the "field" and headquarters including, Hatchery Technician, Fish Passage Biologist, Assistant Fish Passage Program Coordinator, Fish Screening Passage Coordinator,  and Deputy Administrative Services Division Administrator.

Ken enjoys spending time with his family, as well as fishing, hunting, camping, and playing sports in his spare time.