A Mid-Missouri resident and longtime department employee will be the new deputy director of resource management for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Mike Hubbard, 52, has been with the department for nearly 20 years.
"I want to make sure that our regulations are protecting our citizens and well as our resources," he said.
Hubbard will assume his position effective June 1 upon retirement of Deputy Director Tom Draper.
As deputy director of resource management, Hubbard will supervise MDC's Forestry, Fisheries, Wildlife, Protection, Private Land Services, and Resource Science divisions.
"I want to make sure our resources are in good or better shape for the generations that follow us as they are today," Hubbard said in a news release.
Hubbard holds a bachelor's degree in forestry, fisheries and wildlife from the University of Missouri and both a master's degree and Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Hubbard started with MDC in 1999 and has served in various roles over the last 19 years, including resource scientist, program supervisor, unit chief and division chief for the Private Land Services and Resource Science divisions.
"With Mike's strong background in fish, forest, and wildlife, including his diverse education and management experience, he will provide strong leadership and strategic thinking as we navigate 21st century challenges in conservation, including wildlife diseases, scientific research, urban and private-land conservation, and changing regulations," MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley said in the news release.
Hubbard lives in California, Missouri, with his wife, Kathie.
Other MDC deputy directors include Jennifer Batson Warren, deputy director of business, and Aaron Jeffries, deputy director of outreach and policy.