Vern Gagnon, MSU-B City College dean, appointed to Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission

Vern Gagnon of Billings, the dean of City College for Montana State University-Billings, was appointed this week to the Region 5 seat on the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission after Brian Cebull resigned from the position late last year.

Gagnon, who was appointed by Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday, has served as dean of the college since 2024. He is a licensed fishing guide and owns Reel Therapy Charter Fishing, working as a guide and business owner for almost 30 years, according to MSU-Billings.

"He said he looks forward to working on the commission, addressing important issues related to resource conservation and education, as well as representing the interests of the region," MSU-Billings said in a news release.

He started his professional career with the school in 2002 and has worked as an automotive instructor and chaired departments including Nursing, Health and Public Safety; Business, Construction and Energy; and Transportation Technologies.

He has a master’s degree in education technology from the school and bachelor’s degree in automotive technology from Northern Montana College, now known as Montana State University-Northern in Havre.

Cebull handed in his resignation as Region 5 commissioner in December citing personal reasons. He served five years on the body and was one of Gianforte’s first picks after coming into office in 2021.

Gagnon’s term for Region 5, which covers at least part of eight counties from Martinsdale down to Lodge Grass, runs through Jan. 2, 2029.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission is appointed by the governor and has a commissioner for each of the seven Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regions.