ROBERT “TAD” BELL APPOINTED CDFA UNDERSECRETARY

SACRAMENTO, March 8, 2001-California Governor Gray Davis has appointed Robert “Tad” Bell to the position of Undersecretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

Bell, a 15-year CDFA veteran, moves up from Deputy Secretary, a position he has held since February 2000. In that role, Bell oversaw more than 1600 CDFA employees, and was responsible for high-level activities such as the Glassy-winged sharpshooter and Red Imported Fire Ant control and eradication programs. Previously, he has worked in positions such as Biologist, Program Manager and Director of Policy Development and Forecasting.

“Tad Bell is a great example of someone who has truly worked his way to the top levels of an organization,” said CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. “Tad is highly respected by all who work with him, from agriculture industry leaders to the rank-and-file at CDFA. I want to congratulate Tad. I am confident that he’ll continue to show the outstanding performance he’s demonstrated throughout his career.”

Bell’s achievements include the authorship and co-authorship of several agriculture publications, as well as a series of special achievement awards from CDFA and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Undersecretary, the number two position at CDFA, is responsible for the oversight and administration of departmental programs, policies and management practices.

-30-

FLEX YOUR POWER. To meet California’s energy challenge, CDFA urges businesses and consumers to conserve. For a list of simple ways that you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our Web site @www.cdfa.ca.gov.