UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Mary Wirth of Duncansville has been named director of industry and legislative relations for Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, effective June 18.

A graduate of Penn State with a bachelor's degree in horticulture, Wirth will manage the college's relations with public and private-sector groups, governmental agencies and elected officials. She will represent the college at special events and work with top management in industry and nonprofit organizations to foster support for the college. In addition, she will provide leadership for the Penn State Ag Council, an industry group whose members provide input, guidance and support for the college's research and educational programs.

From 1999 until joining Penn State, Wirth managed public relations and government affairs for Rossi American Hardwoods in Duncansville. She held the same position for B.A. Mullican Lumber and Manufacturing Company in Kingsport, Tenn., from 1995 to 1998. While in Tennessee, Wirth was appointed by Governor Don Sundquist to the Tennessee Forest Management Advisory Council.

Previously, she was executive director of the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, Kane; executive director of the Pennsylvania Forest Industry Association, Kane; staff writer for the agricultural journal, Country Folks of Pennsylvania, Palatine Bridge, N.Y.; and business manager for the plant department of the G.S. Grimes Seed Co., Smethport.

Wirth is a member of the Pennsylvania Hardwood Lumber Manufacturers Association board of directors, the Pennsylvania Forest Legacy Committee and the state implementation committee of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative of Pennsylvania.

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Contacts:

Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-865-1068 fax