Todd Named Assistant State Forester

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson today announced the appointment of S. David Todd as assistant state forester effective July 16. 

“I am delighted to make this appointment of a very competent and experienced professional forester to the position of assistant state forester,” Johnson said. “David, in addition to possessing excellent technical forest management skills and knowledge, also brings to the position leadership attributes that will serve the department and forestry community well.”

As assistant state forester, Todd will direct several program areas within the Division of Forestry and assist state forester Jere Jeter in maintaining existing programs and developing new ones as needed to ensure healthy and productive forests for the people of Tennessee.
“David is well known and respected not only within our agency but within the forestry community across the southeast United States,” said Jeter. “His knowledge of hardwood and pine silviculture and his ability to think strategically and to work effectively with our staff and partners will be a valuable asset as we promote the sound management of Tennessee’s rural and urban forests.”

“It is an honor to serve the people of Tennessee,” Todd said. “It is a privilege to work with the very capable people in the Division of Forestry, and I am grateful to be afforded more opportunities to promote good forestry practices in my home state.”

Todd has been with the Division of Forestry for 12 years as the State Forest System unit leader managing the state’s 15 State Forests that total more than 168,000 acres.

Previous to his employment with the state, Todd was responsible for forest research and development with a major pulp and paper company where he practiced forestry throughout the U.S. and in other countries for more than 24 years. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Forestry at the University of Tennessee specializing in forest genetics.

Todd is originally from Waynesboro, Tenn., is married and has two grown daughters.  He and his wife, Judy, currently live in Hendersonville.