TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott is naming a new chief for the state agency that oversees the state's environment.
Scott on Thursday announced the appointment of Jon Steverson as secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.
Steverson is replacing Herschel Vinyard who resigned on Dec. 1. He will start his new position on Dec. 29th.
Steverson has been working as the executive director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District since 2012. Prior to that job, Steverson held positions in DEP and in the governor's office.
Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida, praised the appointment and said that Steverson would bring "solid leadership" to the job.
The agency has many responsibilities including overseeing the state's park system. But DEP is also responsible for enforcing state environmental laws.
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