Gov. Evers Selects New Secretary of Department of Natural Resources

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Governor Tony Evers has chosen the next leader of the Department of Natural Resources, after the position has sat vacant for a year. 

The governor’s office announced Monday morning that Karen Hyun would be taking the role. Hyun has spent most of her career in environmental policy, and is currently the chief of staff for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“Dr. Hyun’s extensive science background and expertise working in fish and wildlife, shoreline restoration, and coastal management and resilience will make her a great asset to the Department of Natural Resources and to our administration,” Evers said in a statement. 

The position has been open for about a year. Evers said part of the reason is because Republican lawmakers reject his picks.

Since Evers took office in 2019, the Republican-controlled state Senate has rejected 22 of his executive branch nominees. Before his term, the Senate rejected on average one nominee every 10 years. 

Hyun’s first day on the job is January 27.