The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced changes to its leadership team with the appointment of Jason Sumners to the position of deputy director for resource management effective August 1.

According to a news release, Sumners will assume the role upon retirement of Deputy Director Mike Hubbard, who began his position in 2018.

Sumners is the current Science Branch Chief, leading a team of more than 80 scientists that specialize in fish, forest and wildlife research and management. He received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri and a Master of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University. He began his career at MDC in 2008 as a private lands deer biologist and later became the head of the state’s deer management program.

During Sumners’ tenure at MDC, he has led Missouri’s white-tailed deer management program, took part in Missouri’s elk reintroduction efforts, developed a private lands deer management program, and led the Department’s effort to develop and implement a chronic wasting disease (CWD) management and surveillance strategy.

“Jason holds a diverse background in wildlife management, and I’m confident he will provide exceptional leadership as MDC continues to navigate the ever-evolving challenges in conservation, including scientific research, wildlife diseases, and changing regulations,” MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley said.

“The Missouri outdoors have defined my personal and professional life,” Sumners said. “I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to advance the MDC mission to conserve the state’s fish, forest, and wildlife and expand opportunities for all Missourians to learn about and enjoy nature.”

Sumners is a native of west-central Missouri, where his love for the outdoors began. His interests include hunting, fishing and camping.