David Mitchell - Deputy Director of Field Operations

David Mitchell serves as the deputy director of field operations, a role he began in July of 2021. He is responsible for assisting in the planning and directing of statewide wildlife management programs for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and developing and maintaining operational procedures for the day-to-day management of the agency through coordination of the agency's region directors.

Beginning in April of 2021, prior to being appointed to his current position, he was the director of the Southeast Region. He began his career with the Game Commission as a trainee Wildlife Conservation Officer in June of 1991 when he enrolled in the 21st class at Ross Leffler School of Conservation.

Prior to becoming director of the Southeast Region, Mitchell served in assignments as Northcentral Region Director from July 2017 to April 2021, Land Management Supervisor in the Southeast Region from November 2014 to July 2017, Land Management Group Supervisor in Group 4 of the Southeast Region from July 1995 to November 2014. He served as a district wildlife conservation officer in Lehigh County from March 1992 to July 1995.

His educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Criminal justice from Lycoming College.

Mitchell’s career accomplishments include serving as the field representative on the Palmerton Superfund Reclamation Project, receiving the Joe Kurtz award from the PA Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, The Primitive Arrow Award from the United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, and the Friend of the Lehigh River Award from Wildlands Conservancy.

He is an avid sportsman and conversationist who is a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania.