SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A U.S. Peace Corps worker and former Oregon environmental quality administrator has been selected to lead the Department of State Lands.

The State Land Board selected Mary Abrams for the job on Tuesday. She replaces Louise Solliday, who is retiring after six years as the agency's director.

Abrams grew up in Morrow County and has been a country director for the Peace Corps in Africa since 2006. She was previously a division administrator and water-quality specialist at the state Department of Environmental Quality.

The State Lands Department manages Oregon's waterways, wetlands and state-owned ranching and forest lands to generate money for schools. Abrams begins the job on Nov. 1.

Copyright 2012 The AP.