Shannon Lott to serve as acting DNR director

Lake Orion, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer late last week announced changes in leadership in many state departments including the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

DNR Director Dan Eichinger will move to acting director of EGLE and DNR Deputy Director Shannon Lott will serve as acting director of the DNR.

Lott has worked for the agency for 25 years, most recently as natural resources deputy. Prior to that she was the assistant chief of the Forest Resources Division and held a variety of jobs in the department’s
Wildlife Division.

According to a release, Lott has worked with a broad range of conservation groups and legislators, as well as the Michigan Natural Resource Commission,
to guide policies and programs related to outdoor recreation and natural resource management in the state. She has led DNR teams on critical
issues such as renewable energy, climate change mitigation, and the use
of mass timber in construction.

Lott also co-leads for the state a unique forest bioeconomy partnership with the country of Finland.

She earned a B.S. in wildlife biology from Grand Valley State University and a M.S. in forestry from Michigan State University.

Eichinger has served as DNR director since 2019. Before that he was the executive
director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Eichinger earned a bachelor’s degree and a master of science in fisheries and
wildlife from Michigan State University. He also obtained a master of
public administration from Central Michigan University.

“The work of everyone at EGLE can positively impact every citizen in this
state and the natural resources we hold dear,” Eichinger said. “I
appreciate Governor Whitmer’s confidence in me to work with the talented
and innovative team here as we build programs and systems that protect
the well-being of our state and citizens today and into the future.”