Kasich Appoints Zehringer ODNR Director

Ohio State Veterinarian Forshey to Serve as Interim ODA Director

On Tuesday, November 16, Governor John Kasich appointed Jim Zehringer to become the new director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Zehringer, formly the director of the Ohio Department of Ag (ODA), will take over the position from Assistant Director Scott Zody, who has served as interim director since David Mustine’s departure in September.

Prior to heading the ODA, Zehringer was a state representative for the 77th House District and owned the Meiring Poultry and Fish Farm in Fort Recovery. During his time as director of ODA, Zehringer led the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board; actively supported farmers and agribusinesses and valued agriculture’s importance to the state; worked to establish an Ohio inspection facility to certify livestock for export, which positioned Ohio as a national export leader; and worked with the Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Natural Resources to establish the Ag Nutrients Working Group to examine ways to reduce phosphorus from agricultural sources that impact Ohio’s waterways.

On Wednesday, Zehringer announced he will take two of his top aides from ODA with him to ODNR. Frederick M. Shimp will serve as ODNR assistant director. Shimp will oversee ODNR’s day-to-day operations in addition to the department’s policies and procedures. Shimp most recently served as assistant director at ODA. Andy Ware will also make the move and serve as deputy director, overseeing ODNR’s divisions of coastal management, forestry, geological survey, mineral resources management, soil and water resources, and recycling. He recently served as deputy director and communications director for ODA.

Kasich has named Dr. Tony Forshey, the state veterinarian for the past six years, as interim director of ODA. Forshey has 27 years of experience in veterinary medicine and is on the board of directors of the United States Animal Health Association and the National Institute of Animal Agriculture.