The Missouri Department of Conservation has named a new chief for its wildlife division.

The conservation department says in a release that Jennifer Battson will lead the division. She has been interim chief the division since Aug. 1. Battson replaces DeeCee Darrow, who retired in August.

Battson has been with the Conservation Department for 16 years. She says she has several goals for the division, including improving its ability to conserve and restore wildlife habitat and species.