Governor Laura Kelly appointed Chris Steffen, Emporia, to the Western Invasive Species Council.
The Western Invasive Species Council was created as a part of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) Policy Resolution 2019-06. Members of the Council help enhance coordination between existing state invasive species councils and coordinating bodies, improve communication and collaboration on regional biosecurity and invasive species control efforts, and work to identify and address cross-boundary and cross-jurisdictional challenges. Each governor from the WGA appoints one representative to the Council.
“Taking care of Kansas means taking care of our environment and the species that coexist here,” Kelly said. “Chris has spent his whole career focused on these issues, and I know he’ll serve as a helpful addition to the Council.”
Steffen has 10 years of experience with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). He currently works as the aquatic nuisance species coordinator for KDWPT. Previously, Steffen was the environmental associate for KDWPT. Steffen graduated from Iowa State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Ecology.