New Indiana State Chemist appointed
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Governor Eric Holcomb and Purdue University College of Agriculture Dean Karen Plaut have appointed Mark LeBlanc as Indiana State Chemist and Seed Commissioner. LeBlanc will begin his new role October 19, succeeding the recently-retired Bob Waltz.
Holcomb’s office says LeBlanc will manage a team of 84 employees who administer agricultural laws involving animal feeds and pet foods, food safety, user safety and the protection of the environment, among others.
“It is a privilege to accept this position and an honor that Governor Holcomb and Dean Plaut have entrusted me with this role,” said LeBlanc. “It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Waltz and his predecessors who established the Office of the Indiana State Chemist’s reputation of excellence among regulatory programs around the country.”
LeBlanc is also joining Purdue’s College of Agriculture as a professor of biochemistry.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. LeBlanc come to Indiana and Purdue to lead this talented team who make such a critical difference in the health and safety of Hoosiers,” said Plaut. “Under the direction of Dr. Bob Waltz, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist became known as a national leader. I know Dr. LeBlanc will build on that legacy and contribute his distinctive and highly regarded leadership skills to move the office forward.”
Holcomb’s office says LeBlanc previously served as the head of the Division of Agricultural Chemistry at the Louisiana State University AgCenter.