(BEDFORD) – Governor Eric . Holcomb has selected Dan Bortner to serve as the director of the Department of Natural Resources.
“Dan’s longtime experience and passionate commitment to our state’s great outdoor assets will continue to serve Hoosiers well,” Gov. Holcomb said. “I’m confident his leadership and customer centric focus will take our treasured state parks and recreation areas to the next level so Hoosiers can visit and make incredible memories for generations long to come.”
Bortner has served as DNR’s director of Indiana State Parks since 2005 and is currently the third longest serving state parks director in the nation.
As director of state parks, Bortner took the division from preparing to close facilities to consistently operating in the black with 98% saying they would recommend Indiana state parks to others. Infrastructure updated under Bortner’s leadership has led to improved campgrounds that are typically full each weekend, and our state park inns have the highest occupancy rate of any state park inn system in the country.
Bortner has served as DNR’s director of Indiana State Parks since 2005 and is currently the third longest-serving state parks director in the nation. As director of the state parks, Bortner took the division from preparing to close facilities to consistently operating in the black with 98 percent of guests saying they would recommend our parks to others. Infrastructure updated under Bortner’s leadership has led to improved campgrounds that are typically full each weekend, and our state park inns have the highest occupancy rate of any state park inn system in the country.
Bortner increased public lands across the state park system, including the Trine State Recreation Area in Steuben County and the state’s only underwater nature preserve in Lake Michigan. Additionally, he oversaw the purchase of the Fort Harrison State Park Inn in Indianapolis.
Bortner earned a degree in public affairs from Indiana University. He serves as the president of the National Association of State Park Directors.
The Department of Natural Resources’ state parks, reservoirs and nature preserves host tens of millions of guests each year. The agency is also charged with regulatory responsibility for wildlife, and our land and water resources.
Former director Cam Clark retired in July. Bortner will begin his new position on Monday, August 3.