Governor Ted Strickland administered the Oath of Office to Robert J. Boggs as the new Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture on January 24, 2007. As director, Bob shares his vision for the department as he implements Governor Strickland’s Turn Around Ohio Plan.

Over the last 34 years, he served the people of Ohio as a representative, senator and a county commissioner. During his career in public service, he used his agricultural background to make decisions on dozens of rural issues including linked deposits, ethanol tax credits, soil and water conservation funding, OSU cooperative extension, and rural development.

As a state representative in the 97th House District and senator in the 18th Senate District, he authored and co-sponsored numerous bills that affect agriculture pertaining to Lake Erie development, water quality, inter-modal transportation, economic development, education and natural resources.

Boggs, who was raised on a small dairy farm in Ashtabula County, received his bachelor’s degree in government from American University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s in public administration from Kent State University.

The Ohio Agriculture Director provides leadership for Ohio’s No. 1 industry -- agriculture -- and administers numerous regulatory, food safety and consumer protection programs for the benefit of all Ohioans.

Updated: 9/04/07