NOAA chief of staff Karen Hyun has been tapped to lead Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources.
The career marine scientist, who also held senior advisory roles in the Obama administration’s Interior and Commerce departments, will oversee the state’s environmental management, forestry, and fish and wildlife programs under the Democratic governor, who is in his second term. The position had been vacant since October 2023.
Hyun, who holds a doctorate in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island and already resides in Wisconsin’s capital, Madison, will begin her new post on Jan. 27.
“Having spent most of her career working in environmental policy, Dr. Hyun brings a wealth of experience navigating many of the issues the department is charged with managing every day, and I’m so excited for her to get started,” Gov. Tony Evers (D) said in a press release.
