Meet the Director

Keith Creagh brings a vast amount of experience and love of the outdoors to his position as director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He has a robust background in policy development, strategic planning and relationship building and avidly pursues his lifelong interests in outdoor recreation, such as hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking.

Prior to his appointment July 9, 2012, by Governor Rick Snyder, Creagh had been serving as director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) since Jan. 1, 2011.

Complementing his public service, he worked as director of Industry Affairs for the Neogen Corporation, a company that develops and provides food and animal safety solutions to the agri-food industry. In that capacity he established and maintained relationships with the scientific community and regulatory agencies at the state and federal level, international product registrations, and manufacturing operations at Neogen's Wisconsin manufacturing plant.

Creagh's service with state government began in 1974 and has included a wide range of positions with MDARD during his tenure, including land use deputy director with the Departments of Natural Resources and MDARD, where he coordinated a multi-agency implementation plan in response to the recommendations from the Governor-appointed Michigan Land Use Leadership Council. Creagh has provided leadership for the Farm Bill and conservation programs, which brought together conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and local conservation districts to establish conservation practices in the state. Working through the ranks, Creagh's assignments provided him experience with invasive and exotic species, conservation easements and environmental stewardship. His background also includes working closely with stakeholder groups, federal agencies, the state legislature and U.S. Congress.

Creagh has a bachelor of science degree in forestry from Michigan Technological University, and continues to collaborate with Michigan's universities and colleges on a variety of issues.

Creagh and his wife, Laska, have four children and reside in Williamston.