"Kevin Lilly, a Trump-appointed wealth manager, has been on the job in an acting capacity for almost a year despite no prior confirmation."
"When President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Lilly last year to oversee management of the nation’s wildlife refuges and national parks, conservation advocacy organizations raised concerns over how his lack of public lands experience would impact the Department of the Interior’s conservation commitments.
Prior to assuming the role of assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks on an acting basis, Lilly served as the chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and founded Avalon Advisors, the largest privately owned wealth management firm in the state. At a confirmation hearing this week, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, described Lilly as someone who fostered a strong appreciation for public lands through his “deep love of the outdoors, including fishing and hunting.”
Lilly told members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works that experiencing the nation’s public lands deepened his desire to expand access to them.
“My faith has always guided my respect for creation, grounding my belief that natural resources are gifts to be cared for with humility and gratitude,” he said in his opening statement."
Gabriel Matias Castilho reports for Inside Climate News June 26, 2026.
