A familiar face has taken the helm of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ northwest region. Jim Williams was named Region 1 supervisor on Nov. 14. He’s been with FWP for 23 years and the Region 1 wildlife program manager for the past 15 years.

Williams was born on a farm in Iowa. He completed his undergraduate work at Florida State University and received a master’s in biology from Montana State University. His graduate work was on mountain lions.

Region 1 includes Lake, Lincoln, Sanders and Flathead counties. The affable Williams looks forward to the challenges in a region with a host of endangered species and hot-button topics.

But it’s not so much about wildlife, he said — it’s about building relationships with people who live in and love the Northwest Montana landscape.

“The job’s really about people,” Williams said. “People really identify with fish, wildlife and recreation. There’s a lot of passion.”

While federal and state laws often put sidebars up on fish and wildlife management issues, Williams said the agency can still work with the public within those parameters.

“There’s an opportunity to work with folks in the community,” he said.

With the legislative session coming up in the next few weeks, Williams said he wants to be a resource for area lawmakers as they consider bills. Every session sees more than 100 fish and game bills placed on the docket.

“I’m an extrovert,” he said. “I enjoy people.”

Williams also needs to find a replacement for his former position. Until he does, he’ll be wearing two hats. He said he plans to take his time looking for a new Region 1 wildlife manager.

“I want to find a new coach to keep the good things we’ve done going,” he said.

Williams replaces Jim Satterfield, who retired this summer after nine years to focus on a writing career. Williams served as interim supervisor since then. He and his wife Melora have two grown children, Jake and Mackenzie.