From Tuscarawas Co. to statewide leadership: Chris Zoller takes on new OSU Extension role
COLUMBUS — Chris Zoller has been appointed assistant director of agriculture and natural resources for Ohio State University Extension.
According to an announcement, Zoller has been serving as interim assistant director since December 2023 and has more than 32 years of experience with OSU Extension. He has been an extension educator in Tuscarawas County since 1992, focusing on areas such as farm management, succession planning, livestock production, farm financial management, forage and agronomic crop systems, and energy use on livestock farms.
"I've certainly enjoyed the 33 years I was an extension educator in Tuscarawas County," Zoller said. "I appreciated the clientele I worked with. Now, I'm looking forward to a new challenge leading the agriculture and natural resources program on a statewide level."
In his new role, Zoller will provide leadership, administration, guidance and vision for OSU Extension's agriculture and natural resources program. His responsibilities include managing the state office, overseeing financial and human resources, and serving as a member of the OSU Extension administrative leadership team. He will also collaborate with department chairs, deans, unit leaders and other organizations to support research-based outreach and engagement throughout Ohio.
'Chris has demonstrated strong, thoughtful leadership as interim assistant director and has a deep understanding of the agricultural challenges and opportunities facing our state,' David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension, said in the announcement. 'His commitment to excellence, collaboration, and service will continue to benefit our stakeholders, both within Ohio State and throughout the agricultural community.'
Zoller is a two-time graduate of Ohio State, earning a bachelor of science in agricultural education in 1991 and a master of science in 1997. He holds the rank of professor and has received several awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2019 and the Steve D. Ruhl Outstanding Agricultural and Natural Resources County Extension Educator Award in 2021.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Chris Zoller promoted to to assistant ag director for OSU Extension
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