Berks County News

The director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) has resigned following allegations of unethical conduct. This development was announced by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman David Maloney, a Republican from Berks County.

Bryan Burhans, who had served as the executive director of the PGC since 2017, submitted his resignation on Monday. The allegations against him include using his position within the state agency, which manages assets worth nearly half a billion dollars, for personal benefit. The information that led to Burhans' resignation came to light through Maloney's investigation into actions within the PGC.

Maloney stated, "As I studied the actions of the PGC, requested information, and heard reports from the field, it became very clear to me that 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' departure, Stephen Smith has been appointed as his successor. Smith was selected from within the agency without an open posting for the position.

Representative David Maloney represents Pennsylvania's 130th District in the House of Representatives.