New secretary of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks worked for Missouri conservation

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has a new leader.

Gov. Laura Kelly appointed Chris Kennedy as the new KDWP secretary, effective Monday.

“I am honored that Governor Kelly has appointed me to serve the people of Kansas in this capacity,” Kennedy said in a statement via the governor’s office. “I am delighted that my more than 30 years of experience will further strengthen the KDWP’s mission to conserve and enhance the state’s wildlife and natural resources to be enjoyed by Kansans for generations to come.”

Kennedy is a Missouri native and grew up shooting, hunting, boating and fishing. He has worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation since 1996.

Kennedy is replacing current KDWP secretary Brad Loveless.

“I’m grateful to Secretary Loveless for his steadfast commitment to the State of Kansas and our state’s natural resources over the past five years,” Kelly said in a statement. “I’m confident that Chris Kennedy is the steadfast leader needed to guide the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in its next chapter.”

Loveless announced his retirement in October but stayed on the job until a new secretary was appointed. He will now officially retire in April after assisting with the transition.

Kennedy takes over in the middle of a legislative session where lawmakers have threatened the agency’s budget in retaliation for the prospect of regulations on deer baiting. Legislators have also advanced plans to abolish the current Wildlife and Parks Commission and create a new one that Republican politicians have more control over.

Kennedy’s work with alligator gar saw him become a guest on episodes of “Monster Fish” on the National Geographic Channel and “River Monsters” on Animal Planet.

“Chris has proven himself a great leader of people with an exceptional understanding of fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation issues,” Loveless said. “He’s very fortunate to be working with the professionals at Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and conversely, I know they will really appreciate and enjoy working with someone as capable and committed as Chris.”

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.