HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) announced three recent confirmations to its Board of Game Commissioners, including commissioners Dr. Michael Mitrick, York County; Haley Sankey, Blair County; and Allen DiMarco, Lycoming County. All were appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate this year to serve second terms as commissioners through 2030.
“Members of the Board of Game Commissioners have an important role in the work of our agency,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “On behalf of the Game Commission staff, we appreciate the time, passion, and work our commissioners share to help manage wildlife here in Pennsylvania.”
Commissioner Michael Mitrick’s nomination for his third term was recently confirmed by the Senate on Oct. 7, 2026. Mitrick is from District 6, which spans Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, and York counties.
“It was an honor to be selected for a third term, and it is my hope that the eyes of the future will look back and remember me as someone who cared deeply for our state’s wildlife and their habitats, as well as the future of hunting in our great state,” said Commissioner Mitrick.
Commissioner Haley Sankey’s nomination for her second term was confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2026. Sankey is from District 4, which spans Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties. She is currently serving as Board President.
Commissioner Allen DiMarco’s nomination for his second term was confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2026. DiMarco is from District 5, which spans Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties. He is current serving as Board Vice President.
“Being a member of this board has provided me with the highest level of respect and appreciation for how much work and passion goes into managing and protecting the various species of wildlife across our state,” said Commissioner DiMarco. “I greatly value our state’s natural resources, and I appreciate the opportunity to have role in managing our state’s wildlife while expanding opportunities for our hunters.”
Commissioners establish policy for the agency and set regulations. They receive no compensation for their service but may be reimbursed for travel expenses. They are not agency employees. Although they are selected by district, they represent all Pennsylvanians and the state's 480 species of wild birds and mammals.
Members of the Board of Game Commissioners hold office for terms of four years and may be reappointed for a maximum of two additional terms. The nine-member Board includes one commissioner from each of nine geographic districts across Pennsylvania. Qualified residents may apply for consideration when commissioner positions become available.
Under 34 Pa.C.S. § 301 and 4 Pa. Code § 6.622, the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation assists with the appointment and reappointment process at the request of the Governor’s Office. The Council helps identify and evaluate prospective candidates and provides feedback and recommendations upon request. The Governor is solely responsible for nominating commissioners, and appointments require confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate.
“As Pennsylvanians head afield this fall, we celebrate a hunting and conservation legacy built by generations before us, sustained by those who serve today, and entrusted to those who follow,” said Derek Eberly, Director of the Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation. “Hunting supports our local economies, helps fund wildlife conservation, and connects us to the lands and wildlife we share. We thank Commissioners Sankey, DiMarco, and Mitrick for their continued service to the Commonwealth and look forward to their work as good stewards of Pennsylvania's wildlife and natural resources, a shared inheritance belonging to all 13 million Pennsylvanians.”
The Board of Game Commissioners holds quarterly meetings, generally in January, April, June, and September, and may hold special meetings and committee meetings as necessary. The board works closely with the executive director and agency staff to ensure that all wild birds and mammals and their habitats are managed for current and future generations.
Members of the public who would like to contact the Board can email them directly at pgcboard@pa.gov. Learn more about the Game Commission and its Board of Game Commissioners online.