Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer on Monday announced staffing changes in the city's Park, Zoo, and Cemetery Department. Angela Anthony has been named Park and Zoo Director and will join the staff next week. Katie Southwark has been promoted to Assistant Park and Zoo Director under the city's new reorganization plan.

Anthony is currently employed as a science teacher in Copan, Oklahoma, but does have experience as a park ranger and holds master's degrees in both Biology and Entomology. She will take over the duties of the position on December 18, after several weeks of orientation. Southwark has been employed by the city since 2008, and was promoted to Zoo Supervisor in 2013.

Anthony will replace the outgoing director, Barb Beurskens, who has worked for the city for over 40 years in various positions. The director's position includes management of Riverside Park, the Ralph Mitchell Zoo and Mount Hope Cemetery.