KC Reporter

Governor Mike Parson announced that Jason Sumners will be the next director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), taking over from Sara Parker Pauley who is retiring after 30 years of service. Sumners, currently the deputy director of resource management for MDC, will assume his new role on June 1, 2024, becoming the tenth director in the department's history.

Governor Parson expressed his gratitude to the Conservation Commission for their selection of Sumners, stating, "We congratulate Jason on being named the new MDC Director and thank the Conservation Commission for its thoughtful and thorough search to replace Director Pauley." He also praised Sumners for his commitment to continuing Missouri's legacy of conservation.

Sumners himself expressed his excitement and humility at the opportunity, saying, "The Missouri outdoors have defined my personal and professional life, so getting to serve in this capacity and continue to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in conservation is an exciting endeavor."

Missouri Conservation Commission Chair Steven Harrison highlighted Sumners' qualifications for the role, stating, "Jason is uniquely poised for this director role with his background, experience, and national connections in conservation."

Sara Parker Pauley, the outgoing director, expressed confidence in Sumners, saying, "I’m confident he will continue that exceptional leadership he has exemplified during his career at MDC as he becomes your next director, including working collaboratively with partners and the public to carry out the conservation mission."

Sumners' background includes leadership experience in conservation at both the state and national levels, as well as a diverse background in wildlife management. He has been instrumental in various initiatives at MDC, including leading the state's white-tailed deer management program and participating in Missouri’s elk reintroduction efforts.

Sumners holds a Bachelor of Science in fisheries and wildlife from the University of Missouri and a Master of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University. He is actively involved in conservation organizations and has been recognized for his leadership in science-based approaches to wildlife conservation.

Jason Sumners, who grew up in Lincoln, Missouri, where his love for the outdoors began, currently resides in Hartsburg, Missouri with his family.