FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, FEB. 6, 2012

Wilson promoted to section administrator
in the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division

RALEIGH – Phillip Wilson has been selected as administrator of the Plant Protection Section of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Wilson succeeds Dr. Stephen Schmidt, who retired in December.

“Protecting North Carolina’s agriculture industry and the environment from injurious plant pests, promoting beneficial organisms and protecting the rare native plants of the state are all critical elements of the Plant Protection Section,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Wilson has extensive plant pest quarantine experience, critical leadership skills and a vision to lead this section as it assists our producers and citizens.”

The NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division is a service and regulatory agency responsible for supporting agriculture, horticulture and related industries by providing inspection and export services necessary to facilitate the movement of North Carolina commodities, biological control elements and honey bees. It is also responsible for protecting the state’s rare native plant species.  The division also regulates seed, fertilizer, lime and soil additives to ensure these products match label guarantees.

Before moving into his new role, Wilson served in several field and supervisory roles within the division, including most recently as a field certification specialist in the eastern region of the state. Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in botany from N.C. State University in 1984.

Wilson and his wife, Tracie, live in Pikeville and have two grown sons, Joshua and Bradley.

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