Tom Draper has been named Interim Director for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He will serve in that capacity until a permanent Director begins.

MDC Interim Director Tom Draper

MDC Interim Director Tom Draper

“It’s a great privilege to serve Missourians in this capacity,” said Draper. “We have to focus on sustaining fish, forest and wildlife resources.”

Draper has been a MDC Deputy Director for more than six years. Draper has been with the Department for 27 years and specializes in forestry.

“This state has 1,450 dedicated public servants that serve every day to ensure that fish, forest and wildlife exists for Missouri citizens,” said Draper. “My responsibility is to ensure that they have clear guidance, the tools to work with, the financial resources and ensure that we’re hitting what citizens want from their fish, forest and wildlife within the realm of the capabilities of that resource to sustain them for not only today but tomorrow.”

Director Robert Ziehmer is resigning effective July 15 to take a private sector job. Ziehmer worked for the Department for 25 years and as Director for more than six years.