Nick Wiley was selected as the latest assistant executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Tuesday, July 1. Wiley is no stranger to the FWC. He’s worked for the state’s wildlife agency since 1988, close to half of his 46-year life. Wiley replaces now-retired Vic Heller at the position.

“This is more than a promotion to me,” Wiley said. “It’s an honor to know this agency has the confidence in me to elevate me to this level. I’m going to work hard to prove myself worthy of that confidence.”

Wiley joined the state’s wildlife conservation agency as a biologist in 1988, and worked as assistant leader in its Alligator Management Section from 1990 to 1994. From 1994 to 1997, he led the agency’s Small Game Management section, and worked his way up to division director of the agency’s Bureau of Wildlife Management in 2004. Wiley was the head of agency’s Division of Hunting and Game Management before taking on the new position.

Wiley earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University in 1983 and his master’s in wildlife management from Auburn University in 1986.