MARQUETTE — A new director for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been appointed.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday that M. Scott Bowen is the new director of the DNR.

“We are blessed to have some of the most beautiful beaches, forests, and lakes in the country right in our backyard,” Whitmer said in a press release. “But that also means we have a tremendous responsibility to take care of these natural wonders. Scott is the right person to lead the Department of Natural Resources as they undertake historic renovations and upgrades at state parks across Michigan. Together, we will leave our public lands in better shape.”

Bowen has a long history of public service in Michigan. He served as the commissioner of the Michigan Lottery from January 2008 to February 2017, making him the longest-serving lottery director in state history.

Prior to his appointment as lottery commissioner, he served as the director of Office of the State Employer where he directed and developed statewide labor relations policy to foster fair and equitable treatment of all state employees.

Bowen also served two terms on the Grand Rapids City Commission.

“I’m excited to join the DNR team. It will be an honor to contribute a chapter to the agency’s long history of managing and protecting the natural and cultural resources that help define what it means to be from Michigan,” Bowen said in the release. “I know how essential this work is to maintaining the state’s quality of life and economic vitality. My background in overseeing other state agencies and building relationships has provided valuable experience that I can draw on, and I’m eager to get to work.”

Shannon Lott has been serving as the acting director of DNR following the resignation of Dan Eichinger earlier this year. She will continue to serve in a leadership role with the DNR.