​​David J. Gustafson – Deputy Executive Director

​David J. Gustafson serves as the Deputy Executive Director, a role he began in July of 2024. Gustafson graduated with a bachelor's degree in Forest Science from Penn State in 2000. He began his career as a forester in the private sector and was later hired as a forester by the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources in 2002.  In 2003, became a forester with the Game Commission in the Northwest Region.

In 2005, Gustafson was promoted to forest program specialist and helped start the agency's Forest Inventory and Analysis Section. In 2007, he was promoted to Chief Forester of the Game Commission where he served until 2022 when he was promoted to Bureau Director of Wildlife Habitat Management. 

Gustafson enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1997. In 2006, he was appointed to the rank of Second Lieutenant by Direct Commission. He served as First Lieutenant and Company Executive Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq from September 2008 until October 2009 and was decorated with numerous military honors.

Gustafson is originally from Port Allegany in McKean County, where his love for the outdoors began at a young age.  He continues to be an avid sportsman and conservationist.  He and his wife, Christine, currently reside in Loysville, Perry County, with daughters Rebekah and Caroline, and lab Ruby.​​