Zoller named assistant director of OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Chris Zoller has been named assistant director of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) for Ohio State University Extension in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) effective May 12.

Zoller has served as interim assistant director of ANR since December 2023 and brings more than 32 years of experience with OSU Extension, having served as an Extension educator in Tuscarawas County since 1992. In that role, he conducted programming in farm management, succession planning, livestock production, farm financial management, forage and agronomic crop systems, and energy use on livestock farms.

In his new position, Zoller will provide leadership, administration, guidance, and vision for OSU Extension’s ANR program. His responsibilities also include managing the ANR state office, overseeing financial and human resources, and serving as a member of the OSU Extension administrative leadership team.

He will also collaborate with CFAES department chairs, deans, and unit leaders, as well as other colleges, agencies, and 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,” said David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension. “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 was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2019.

In 2021, he received the Steve D. Ruhl Outstanding Agricultural and Natural Resources County Extension Educator Award—the highest honor for an ANR educator within OSU Extension.

His applied research experience includes evaluating variable seeding rates for corn and soybeans and participating in statewide energy demand monitoring projects on livestock facilities.

For more information about OSU Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources program, visit agnr.osu.edu.