Dan Bortner is the new director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Bortner has served as the DNR’s director of Indiana State Parks since 2005 and was the third longest serving state parks director in the nation, according to the state. He replaced Cam Clark who retired in July.
“Dan’s longtime experience and passionate commitment to our state’s great outdoor assets will continue to serve Hoosiers well,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb, who appointed Bortner to the post. “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.”
The state said Bortner took the park’s division from preparing to close facilities to consistently operating as a profitable entity with 98% of guests saying they would recommend Indiana state parks to others. Infrastructure updated under Bortner’s leadership has led to improved campgrounds, which are typically full each weekend, the state said.
Bortner earned a degree in public affairs from Indiana University. He serves as the president of the National Association of State Park Directors.