The Interior Department has quietly tapped a Texas-based investment manager and former Army officer who lacks notable public lands experience as the acting overseer of the nation’s wildlife refuges and national parks.
In an unannounced move, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum appointed Kevin Lilly as acting assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks. While a mystery to national conservation groups, Lilly’s myriad Texas civic activities include serving as chair of the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Interior did not respond Thursday morning to emails or phone calls seeking information about the appointment, although Lilly’s title has been publicly cited by other Interior officials. Since the onset of the Trump administration, the department has maintained a policy that it will not comment on personnel matters.
President Donald Trump has not nominated anyone for the permanent assistant secretary position, which oversees the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service and requires Senate confirmation. Acting assistant secretaries can typically serve up to 210 days without need for Senate approval.
