Mary Ellen Setting Promoted to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for Maryland

Jim Wallace Selected as Director of Administration

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Dec. 21, 2009) – One of Maryland’s most important agricultural and consumer protection leadership positions is now filled with the promotion of Mary Ellen Setting as deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.  The position had been vacant since May 2009 when Governor Martin O’Malley appointed former Deputy Secretary Buddy Hance to his post as Secretary of the agency.  Setting has served as Assistant Secretary of Plant Industries and Pest Management for the agency since January of 2004.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” said Sec. Hance. “Mary Ellen Setting’s extensive experience and leadership with the agency, respect among industry professionals and her peers, as well as her common-sense approach to managing a diverse range of regulatory and service programs will be a great asset to the O’Malley-Brown Administration, the department and to the Marylanders we serve.  Her vision will help guide our outstanding staff and strengthen MDA’s important programs for the benefit of all Marylanders.”

As deputy secretary, Setting will manage the day-to-day operations of the agency to achieve the conservation, promotion, preservation, regulatory, educational and service responsibilities of the department.  These activities assure a healthy environment and food supply, fairness in the marketplace and that agriculture will remain a strong economic force in the State.

“I am honored and excited by the opportunity to help lead the agency,” Setting said.   “I look forward to building on my experience at the agency and with the agricultural industry to advance the goals of the agency and the Administration while maintaining a viable agricultural sector”.

As assistant secretary of the Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management, Setting directed six sections: Forest Pest Management, Mosquito Control, Pesticide Regulation, Plant Protection and Weed Management, State Chemist, and Turf and Seed.  The office functions primarily as a regulatory body that enforces state and federal laws, regulations and quarantines related to management of pests that affect health of crops, nursery stock and forests.  It also provides consumer protection and services by ensuring the quality of commercial agricultural products, turf and seed products and nursery plants and offers educational programs for regulated industries and consumers.