Former west-central Indiana state rep settling in as DNR director

Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 1:34 PM

By Johnny McCrory

Morrison moves to the DNR after serving Hoosiers from his west-central Indiana home in the state’s House of Representatives since 2012.

Alan Morrison began leading the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as its director, following his appointment by Governor Mike Braun to lead the agency.

“Growing up, some of my fondest memories include exploring Indiana’s DNR properties. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, or other outdoor pursuits, I’m now making similar memories with my own kids,” Morrison said. “As DNR director, I look forward to traveling the state to hear from Hoosiers about how we can continue expanding opportunities to interact with our natural resources and provide high-quality customer service.”

Morrison moves to the DNR after serving Hoosiers from his west-central Indiana home in the state’s House of Representatives since 2012. In that elected role, he chaired the House Environmental Affairs Committee and was a member of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Morrison also previously worked for the Flint Generals, a minor league hockey team in Flint, Michigan, and for Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute. He attended Slippery Rock University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and later attended Indiana State University for his master’s degree, both in sport management.

As DNR director, Morrison leads the team responsible for furthering the department’s mission of protecting, enhancing, preserving, and wisely using Indiana’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of all Hoosiers.

Morrison appointed Dan Bortner to serve as director of Indiana State Parks and Madalynn Conner to serve as DNR chief of staff.

Bortner is the former DNR director and previously served as Indiana State Parks director for 15 years. Conner is a former assistant vice president at Bose Public Affairs Group and earned her law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.