COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) -- An environmental attorney has been tapped to become the next director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the agency announced Wednesday. The agency's seven-member board unanimously selected retired Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Mullikin to lead SCDNR. He will succeed Robert Boyles, who is set to retire next February after 32 years with the department. "Dr. Tom Mullikin is precisely the right person to lead SCDNR after Director Boyles' retirement," Natural Resources Board Chairman Norman Pulliam said in a news release announcing the decision. "We have accomplished so much under Director Boyles’ leadership, and we are certain that Tom Mullikin is the best person to take the baton and keep building upon that success." "The SCDNR Board is excited to work with Dr. Mullikin and continue the important work SCDNR does every day to protect and preserve the natural resources of this great state," he continued. Mullikin will be tasked with overseeing the agency and its five divisions: the executive office, land and water conservation, law enforcement, marine resources, and wildlife and freshwater fisheries. Former DHEC director tapped to lead new state public health agency He currently serves as chairman of the South Carolina Floodwater Commission, established by Gov. Henry McMaster in 2018. He is the principal attorney at a Camden-based law firm specializing in health care, the environment, energy, and government affairs, among other practice areas. "I have had the privilege of working closely with Mr. Mullikin on several environmental initiatives, including appointing him as chairman of the highly successful South Carolina Floodwater Commission," said Gov. McMaster. "His extensive background in environmental law and policy will allow him to bring invaluable expertise to DNR. He has my full support." Mullikin is a professor of practice at the University of South Carolina School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and a research professor at Coastal Carolina University in the School of Coastal Environment. His military background includes serving with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, U.S. Army Reserve, and as a major general of the S.C. State Guard. “I am honored to be selected for appointment as director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and look forward to working with the amazing staff to continue and advance the important work of SCDNR,” Mullikin said. State senators will vote on whether to confirm Mullikin's appointment when they return to Columbia in January.