Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Judy Camuso grew up in Melrose Mass, 11 miles outside of Boston, the youngest of 6 children.  She studied Wildlife Biology at the University of Vermont, and has spent her entire career and adult life devoted to fish and wildlife conservation.

Judy started her career at Maine Audubon, working as the staff naturalist. After 11 years at Audubon, she was hired by IFW as a regional biologist in Southern Maine.  Seven years later, she was promoted to the special projects coordinator in the Augusta headquarters.  After several months in this position she was promoted to the position of Wildlife Division Director.  

As Director, Judy managed close to 50 professional biologists and foresters as well as administrative assistants and oversaw a budget of $12 million. She coordinated and directed the 10 year-update to the State Wildlife Action Plan, Maine's Big Game Management Plan, and worked with communication staff to develop a Communication and Marketing Plan for the agency.

She was nominated by Governor Mills to lead the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and her nomination unanimously passed in the House and Senate, making her the first woman to become Commissioner.