Katie Smith has stepped down from her position as Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture after just more than a year in office.

Ms. Smith, a native of Platte City, Mo., decided to leave office in anticipation of an expanding family, according to a press release from Gov. Matt Blunt.

Ms. Smith was the first woman to hold the position when she replaced interim director Matt Boatright in May 2007. Mr. Boatright had filled the position on a temporary basis after Fred Farrell resigned amidst accusations of sexual harassment.

Mr. Blunt announced Ms. Smith’s successor on Wednesday. Don Steen, of Eldon, Mo., will take over as director effective July 7, pending Senate confirmation.

Mr. Steen served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1990-98. His family has been in the turkey business for 35 years and also raises cattle. Mr. Steen continues to work on the same farm where he was born and raised his family.

“I share Gov. Blunt’s long-standing commitment to Missouri agriculture and look forward to continuing the precedent he has established that recognizes the importance of the farmer’s way of life and the invaluable contributions it is making to our economy,” Mr. Steen said.