We are thrilled to announce that NC State alumni, former PDN/JLBG intern, and US National Arboretum Director, Dr. Richard Olsen, will be returning home to take over as the Head of the NC State Horticulture Department. In his two decade stint with the US Department of Agriculture, Richard has left quite a legacy. After finishing his PhD work at NC State, Richard began with USDA as a Plant Geneticist/Woody Plant Breeder, and later Director of the Arboretums Germplasm program.
After being named Interim Director of the Arboretum in 2014, he was selected as the full time Director in 2015. During this time, the arboretum has seen a huge transformation, both with regard to vision and planning, better outreach, better staffing, and maintenance. Sadly, the US Government bureaucracy made the work even more difficult that it should be with ridiculous shutdowns, layoffs, and travel bans. We send our best wishes to find a replacement that can fill Richard’s huge shoes. As we move closer to being completely under the JCRA umbrella, we look forward to working more closely with Richard.
thanks a lot of information greatfull