The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has named Debra Burns as the new regional administrator to lead regional operations in the Kansas City region, including delivering on strategic priorities and performance measures for the region.
MDC says Burns also will oversee regional public resource management, private land, community conservation, regional planning, recreations use, infrastructure maintenance and repair and regional business operations and compliance. The regional administrator also coordinates with other MDC branches, including protection, science, education, and communications.
“We have a unique conservation program in Missouri and one with a rich history,” Burns said. “I look forward to being a part of building our state’s conservation future. One of the best things about the Kansas City region is the natural diversity available to our citizens, from the wetlands to the prairies and our woodlands, lakes, and of course the Missouri River. People can also get outdoors close to home at places like the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, or Platte Falls Conservation Area.”
Burns grew up in western Massachusetts in a family with outdoor traditions. She received a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in Forestry from Northern Arizona University. Burns enjoys deer hunting, fishing, gardening, and birding. Her career with MDC began in 2002 as an urban wildlife biologist, and she has served as a regional wildlife supervisor since 2007. Burns lives near Lone Jack.

MDC has eight regions across the state and each region will be led by a regional administrator. All eight regional administrators report directly the assistant deputy of resource management in Jefferson City to ensure regional operations also remain coordinated at the statewide level. Regional administrators will transition into their new role in December with the final organizational roadmap completed by July 1, 2020.

Photo provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation.