News Release 1-24-2001 |
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AS AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER GUS R. DOUGLASS BEGINS HIS NINTH FOUR-YEAR TERM, TWO NEW DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS JOIN HIM TO LEAD THE WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHARLESTON, W.VA. — On January 15, 2001, the Honorable Gus R. Douglass was administered the oath of office for Agriculture Commissioner for the ninth time, making him the United States senior agriculture commissioner with more than 32 years of service. "I appreciate the support that I have received from the people of West Virginia, and hope that I demonstrate my thanks through hard work and continued success with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA)," Commissioner Douglass said. "I take my commitment as a public servant very seriously, and make certain that the personnel I employ at the WVDA share my dedication to agriculture, food safety, business development and protecting the environment." Commissioner Douglass publicly announced today the promotion of Janet L. Fisher from Assistant Commissioner to Deputy Commissioner, and the hiring of Steve Hannah as Deputy Commissioner. Deputy Commissioner Fisher is a longtime employee of the WVDA and has also served with former Governor Gaston Caperton. "I'm a strong believer of promotion from within the Department as a way to make good use of the skills and experiences gained from working at the WVDA," Commissioner Douglass said. "Janet has been a tireless worker who brings professionalism and energy to the many programs she has managed throughout the years. This promotion will only increase her involvement with the many WVDA programs that not only benefit West Virginia's farmers, but all the residents of the Mountain State." Deputy Commissioner Steve Hannah joins the WVDA from the West Virginia Farm Bureau. "Steve is well known by West Virginia's farming community statewide as the executive secretary of the WV Farm Bureau since 1977," Commissioner Douglass said. "From production agriculture to the WVDA's environmental programs, Steve is very familiar with what is needed to protect the future of West Virginia's farming. His work with the Farm Bureau, specifically with the West Virginia Legislature, qualifies him for this position. Along with Janet, I believe we can effectively respond to many of the new challenges that face agriculture, such as biotechnology and protecting our human, animal and plant health from new potential threats. This is a great step forward for the WVDA." For more information, contact Bill Bissett, 304/558-3708. |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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