Kayla Lyon is first woman named to head Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday appointed Kayla Lyon as the first female director of the state's Department of Natural Resources.
By News Channel NebraskaIowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday appointed Kayla Lyon as the first female director of the state's Department of Natural Resources.
Lyon will take over as the eighth director of the agency July 8 and replace Bruce Trautman, who has served as acting director since May 2018.
“As my legislative liaison and lead policy adviser on agriculture and natural resources, Kayla oversaw DNR operations including regulatory permitting, conservation efforts and wildlife issues,” Reynolds said. “She also played an instrumental role in the 2018 comprehensive water quality funding bill. As DNR director, Kayla will serve a key role in helping our state continue to grow.”
Lyons said she appreciates the new opportunity.
“In this role, I will continue the DNR’s mission to protect our natural resources, state parks, landscapes and improve the quality of life in Iowa for generations to come,'' she said.
Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Kayla spent her career in government affairs working on agriculture, renewable fuels, water quality and environmental policy while representing farmers and agribusiness.
Lyon, a native of Decorah, Iowa, lives in Ames with her husband and two daughters.