Chris Zoller has been selected as the next assistant director, Agriculture and Natural Resources, for Ohio State University Extension. This appointment was effective May 12, 2025. Chris will provide guidance to all agriculture and natural resources-focused professionals in OSU Extension, whose programs and expertise reach producers, commodity organizations, ag industry affiliates, and ag business leaders at the local, regional, and state level.
This appointment comes as the result of a recent national search. Chris has most recently served as the interim assistant director for the Agriculture and Natural Resources program area since December 2023; and he has been an Extension educator, agriculture and natural resources, in Tuscarawas County for more than three decades.
In this role, Chris’ key responsibilities will include:
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Providing leadership, administration, guidance, and vision to OSU Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources program – working to meet the needs of our clientele throughout the state.
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Providing leadership in developing core programmatic curriculum; serving as a member of the Extension administrative leadership team; engaging in organizational strategic planning and visioning; and ensuring the implementation of strategies within the Agriculture and Natural Resources program and in partnership with other members of the Extension leadership team.
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Promoting effective teamwork among all Extension agriculture and natural resources professionals and creating an environment conducive to a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Working with department chairs, college deans, and unit leaders to identify potential interdisciplinary and multi-programmatic efforts with other departments, colleges, agencies, and organizations engaged in resourcing agriculture and natural resources programs.
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Assisting with the recruitment, placement, and professional development of county and state professionals in concert with appropriate administrative and program staff.
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Managing the Agriculture and Natural Resources state office including financial and human resources oversight.
Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1991, and a Master of Science degree in agriculture in 1997, both from The Ohio State University. He joined OSU Extension in 1992. In 2019, Chris received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). He also has received several state-level awards for his teaching, leadership, and service as an ANR educator.
Congratulations on this appointment, Chris. We look forward to your statewide leadership in this role.