David Daniels named new Ohio director of agriculture

COLUMBUS — Gov. John R. Kasich has named state Sen. David Daniels, R-Greenfield, as the new director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture .

Daniels has represented Ohio’s 17th Senate District since January 2011. He is expected to be sworn in and begin his duties as ODA director Feb. 16.

Daniels replaces Jim Zehringer who was appointed to lead the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in November 2011. Chief of Animal Health and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey has served as interim director of ODA since November and will resume his previously held duties.

Daniels operates Daniels Brothers farm in Greenfield with his father and uncle.

Prior to his election to the Ohio Senate in 2010, Daniels served eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives and a total of 18 years in local government as a Highland County commissioner, a Greenfield city councilman, and the mayor of Greenfield.