Spanberger appoints Department of Conservation and Recreation director

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has announced the next director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

In a Jan. 23 release, Nikki Rovner was named as the newest director of the conservation agency, which oversees state parks, natural areas and outdoor recreation among other programs.

Rovner brings decades of experience within environmental policy, government relations and natural resource stewardship, as she joins DCR after serving as associate state director for The Nature Conservancy in Virginia.

“I am extremely honored to have been appointed by Governor Spanberger to serve as DCR’s director,” Rovner said. “I have enormous respect for DCR’s mission, programs and people. Having worked in partnership with DCR for nearly my entire career, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to become part of the agency. I cannot wait to start working with agency staff and partners to protect our lands and natural heritage, improve the quality of our waters, increase access to the outdoors and make communities more resilient.”

Rovner has also served as deputy secretary of Natural Resources under former Gov. Tim Kaine (D), as well as staff attorney for the Virginia Division of Legislative Services.

For more information about Rovner and to view the full announcement, click here.