Veteran Entomologist Named to Lead MDA’s Plant Protection and Weed Management Section

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 21, 2011) –  Dick Bean, a long-time and highly experienced entomologist who has been with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) since 1987, has been named Program Manager for MDA’s Plant Protection and Weed Management Section, announced MDA Secretary Buddy Hance.

“Dick has worked with MDA as the pest survey entomologist and field operations supervisor for many years and brings a strong base of knowledge and experience to this position,” said Secretary Hance. “He is supremely well regarded throughout the agricultural community and has brought keen insights and strong leadership to some of our most difficult pest management challenges.”

As the Maryland plant pest state survey coordinator, Bean was responsible for working with other experts in the state as well as the federal government to determine which exotic pests and insects are threatening Maryland nurseries, crops, and forests; tracking their movement and activities; determining the best available eradication or mitigation methods– and then applying them here.

“The Plant Protection Section has a very unique role in protecting agriculture in the state,” said Bean. “We alert growers about threats that are coming and what they need to do to protect their crops. We’re the state’s eyes and ears out there. If we find these pests early enough, we really can eradicate them before they do serious damage. Protecting the environment is important to me and this new position will be a good opportunity to do that on a little larger scale. This section has great people who know what they’re doing and who really care about what they’re doing. I expect to have a very easy transition.”

Bean began his career as an entomologist at the University of Maryland. When MDA was established in 1972, the agency’s fledgling entomology section operated in the basement of the building where he was doing his undergraduate studies. As many of those functions moved out of the university and into the new agency, Bean moved to MDA as well. Bean replaces Carol Holko, who left the position when she was promoted to Assistant Secretary of the division in September.

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