NEWARK RESIDENT NAMED FORESTRY ADMINISTRATOR
AT OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
COLUMBUS, OH - Rich Cappell of Newark has been promoted to Assistance Program Administrator in the Division of Forestry at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), effective April 18. Cappell most recently served as southeast Ohio district coordinator of the division’s service forestry program - a position he has held since 1998.
In his new capacity, Cappell will oversee statewide service and urban forestry programs, as well as the division’s forest health and industry programs. He will also supervise operations at the Marietta State Tree Nursery.
“We are fortunate to have a forester of Rich Cappell’s experience and ability in this strategic and highly visible position,” said John Dorka, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “His academic and professional credentials make him an excellent choice to oversee these statewide programs.”
A career forester, Cappell holds both a bachelor’s degree in forest industries and a master’s degree in public administration from The Ohio State University. He joined ODNR in 1972 as assistant manager at Shawnee State Forest in Scioto and Adams counties. He later served as manager at Mohican State Forest in Ashland County before becoming a service forester in private lands management.
In addition to his accomplishments at ODNR, Cappell has also served as state chair of the Society of American Foresters. He was recognized as the Ohio Tree Farm Inspector of the Year in 1993 and was an ODNR Employee of the Month in 1992.
Cappell is the father of four daughters: Laura Booher, Lisa Gladman, Meagan Worth-Cappell and Rachel Worth-Cappell.