Commissioner Grist brings extensive experience in natural resources management, fisheries policy, environmental compliance, and public administration, along with many years of service to the Commonwealth and VMRC. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Christopher Newport University in 1996 and a Master of Science Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech in 2002.
He has held several leadership positions within VMRC’s Fisheries Management Division, as well as natural resource management and scientific roles with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the City of Newport News, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
In his spare time, Commissioner Grist enjoys various outdoor recreational activities including golfing, hiking, and obviously fishing. He and his wife dedicate any spare time together to support several charitable youth organizations.
