Zoltowski named director of NJDA's Division of Plant Industry

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced the appointment of Joseph Zoltowski of Cape May Court House as Director of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Industry.

Zoltowski worked as a supervising entomologist for the Gypsy Moth, Nursery Inspection and CAPS survey programs and served as Chief for the Bureau of Plant Pest and Disease Control for 12 years. He replaces Carl Schulze who retired after 33 years.

“Joe has filled in for Carl many times and has represented the Department at many meetings over the years. Having him in this position is a great opportunity for us,” said Secretary Fisher. “His expertise and experience is greatly appreciated and we look forward to his leadership.”

Zoltowski earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He continued his education and received a Masters of Forestry Degree from Duke University Graduate School of Forestry in Durham, North Carolina. He previously held a position with the Cape May County Municipal waste Utilities Authority as a lab technician and began his career with the Department of Agriculture in 1987.

As Division Director, Zoltowski will be supervising multiple functions, including but not limited to: providing disease and pest protection through detection, control, and eradication, inspecting nurseries and plant dealers for plant pests, regulating importation of certain plants into New Jersey, performing tests related to the essential honey bee population, and biological control of plant pest efforts at the Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect-rearing Laboratory.

To reach the Division of Plant Industry, please call 609-406-6939.