MDA Promotes Carol Holko to Assistant Secretary of Plant Industries and Pest Management

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept. 15, 2011) – Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Secretary Buddy Hance today announced the promotion of Carol Holko to Assistant Secretary of the Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management.  Holko has served MDA for more than 29 years, most recently as program manager of agency’s Plant Protection and Weed Management Section.

“I am very pleased to announce this appointment. Carol Holko is one of the state’s leading experts on plant pests and agricultural quarantines, and her work has helped safeguard our state’s agriculture industry and environment from some very destructive and threatening pests,” said Secretary Hance. “Her extensive experience and knowledge has been a valuable asset to MDA and the people of this state, and we look forward to working with her in an expanded role.”

As Assistant Secretary, Holko will manage six sections within MDA: pesticide regulation, mosquito control, forest pest management, turf and seed, the state chemist, and plant protection and weed management. The office enforces state and federal laws, regulations and quarantines related to the management of pests that affect the health of crops, forests, and nursery stock. The office also ensures the quality of commercial agricultural products, turf and seed products, and nursery plants. It also offers educational programs for regulated industries and consumers.

“I very much look forward to learning more about the other sections and the challenges they face,” said Holko. “The real work happens at the program level under the leadership of our very capable, committed program managers. A big part of my job will be to support their efforts and to provide leadership and guidance for the Unit. I am also fortunate to be taking on this new position with a strong and supportive administration.”

Holko holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entomology from Michigan State University. Soon after graduating, she took a job with MDA in biocontrol of agricultural pests, eventually moving up to Program Manager of the Plant Protection and Weed Management Section in 2004. That office is responsible for keeping Maryland’s plants and honeybees healthy through nursery inspection, plant certification, apiary registration, noxious weed management, plant pest survey and quarantine programs.

Holko serves on the Board of Directors of the National Plant Board, the organization of State Plant Regulatory Officials, and she serves as president-elect of the Eastern Plant Board. She is also a founding member of the Maryland Invasive Species Council. Holko recently received the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 2011 Administrator’s Award. She replaces Mary Ellen Setting, who was appointed to MDA Deputy Secretary.

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