News Release
USDA Forest Service
Washington, D.C.
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FS-0151 |
Contact: Heidi Valetkevitch,
202-205-1134 |
CHRIS RISBRUDT TO LEAD FOREST
PRODUCTS LAB, WI
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2001 -- U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today named
Christopher Risbrudt as director, Forest Products Lab (FPL) in Madison,
Wisc. FPL is the nations leading wood research institute.
Risbrudt, who is currently acting deputy chief, Programs and Legislation,
in the agencys national headquarters, will now oversee the
more than 250 scientists and support staff at FPL who conduct research
on expanded and diverse aspects of wood use. His first job with
the Forest Service was as an economist at FPL.
I am particularly excited about this opportunity, as I am
returning to FPL, where I had my first permanent assignment in the
Forest Service, said Risbrudt. The lab has a long history
of innovation in wood products and uses and I am proud to become
a part of that again.
Risbrudt has held numerous Washington Office and field leadership
positions with the agency, including: director, Strategic Planning
and Resource Assessment Staff; director, Ecosystem Management Coordination;
deputy regional forester, Northern Region; and director, Policy
Analysis. In addition, from February through April 2001, he was
detailed to USDAs Office of the Under Secretary for Natural
Resources and Environment, to help with the transition for the new
Administration.
Risbrudt earned a bachelors degree in 1972 from the University
of Minnesota, a masters degree in 1976 and a doctorate degree
in 1979 from Michigan State University. He is a member of the Society
of American Foresters, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited and the
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
A native of Fergus Falls, Minn., his hobbies include fishing, boating,
hunting, fly tying, book collecting and wine making. Risbrudt and
his wife, Sue, have two grown children, Christine and Jill.
Risbrudt succeeds Tom Hamilton, who retired in June after 37 years
with the Forest Service.
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