DNR administrator to head Indiana State Chemist office
|
He will manage the Office of the Indiana State Chemist and Seed Commissioner located at Purdue University. The office administers laws covering animal feeds, fertilizers, pesticides and seeds in the state. The agency is charged with ensuring food safety, user safety, proper labeling and protecting the environment.
Waltz has been state entomologist and director of the Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources since 1988. In his new capacity, he also will retain the title of state entomologist.
"I have been privileged to work as state entomologist for the past 18 years in the DNR and to have enjoyed the high degree of professionalism, and the thoughtfully considered science of the DNR professionals, and clients with whom we have worked," Waltz said. "I look forward to working as a member of the Purdue University community and continuing many relationships I have established through the years within a new venue. "
"Waltz is a great scientist and a seasoned administrator with leadership and regulatory experience," said Randy Woodson, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture.
Purdue Agriculture operates the Office of the Indiana State Chemist and Seed Commissioner in a pairing that benefits Hoosiers.
"This office provides science-based regulation combined with a strong educational component that aims to protect and serve Indiana residents," Woodson said.
He said maintaining the office at Purdue gives the state agency access to international-quality resources and expertise.
"Faculty often consult with the state regulators on current issues, giving them the latest in scientific knowledge regarding those areas in which they have oversight," Woodson said.
Waltz serves on several state and national panels. He is vice chair of the Indiana Pesticide Review Board and serves on the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation board, the national emerald ash borer science advisory panel and the National Plant Board. He also is a former chairman of the Exotic Species List Committee for the Entomological Society of America and past president of the Indiana Academy of Science.
Waltz has a bachelor's degree in natural resources and environmental sciences and master's and doctoral degrees in entomology, all from Purdue. He is a native of Richmond.
Waltz replaces Rodney Noel who has served as interim state chemist and seed commissioner since June 30, 2005, when Alan Hanks retired from the post.
Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu
Source: Randy Woodson, (765) 494-8392
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
To the News Service home page