The Missouri Department of Conservation has found its new director, and didn't have to look far.

Sara Parker Pauley is moving to Conservation from the Department of Natural Resources. She was appointed to that position by Gov. Jay Nixon in December 2010.

The two agencies have similar missions, but Conservation is overseen by a commission while the DNR is part of the governor's cabinet.

Pauley previously served as DNR's deputy director, and before joining the agency worked as a project manager for the communications firm D.J. Case. She also served as chief of staff for former Missouri House Speaker Steve Gaw, D-Moberly.

She was chosen by the state's Conservation Commission to replace former director Robert Ziehmer. He resigned in July to take a corporate position at Bass Pro Shops.

Pauley's first day on the job is to be Nov. 1.  She will be the first woman to serve as director of the Conservation Department.

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