LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has selected Aaron Keatley as the acting director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy as Dan Eichinger takes a new opportunity as vice president of governmental and external affairs for Ferris State University.

“Dan Eichinger has been a staple of this administration since day one,” Whitmer said in a statement. “He has led the DNR (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) and EGLE with grit to make the state he calls home a better place. I know that generations of Michiganders will feel the impact left by Dan’s work as they enjoy our lakes — both great and small, and forests that go as far as the eye can see.”

Keatley served as chief deputy director at EGLE prior to taking the role as acting director. He was responsible for the management of Michigan’s environmental programs and the coordination of the many environmental challenges that require concerted efforts among multiple partners and stakeholders.

Keatley holds a bachelor of science degree in wildlife and fisheries management from Michigan State University. He also earned a master of public administration degree from the University of Kentucky.