Berks County News

Apr. 30, 2024

HARRISBURG – The director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) has resigned due to alleged unethical actions, as reported by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman David Maloney (R-Berks).

Bryan Burhans, who has been the executive director of the PGC since 2017, tendered his resignation on Monday following allegations of unethical behavior. Maloney revealed that Burhans was accused of misusing his position for personal gain, involving the management of a state agency with assets worth nearly half a billion dollars.

Maloney's investigation into the matter uncovered the information that led to Burhans' resignation, despite attempts by several individuals within the PGC management, including Burhans himself, to withhold this information. Maloney expressed his concerns about the situation, stating, "a handful of bad actors at the PGC had become so engrossed with their own power that the PGC’s primary mission – to protect our animals, enhance habitat and serve the sportsmen – had been sidelined by a culture of personal pet projects and vendettas against anyone daring to speak out."

Following Burhans' resignation, the PGC commissioners have appointed Stephen Smith from within the agency as his successor, without publicly posting the position.

Representative David Maloney from the 130th District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives brought attention to the alleged unethical actions leading to the resignation of the PGC director.