Chris Risbrudt To Lead Forest Products Lab, WI

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today named Christopher Risbrudt as director, Forest Products Lab (FPL) in Madison, Wisc. FPL is the nation’s leading wood research institute.

Risbrudt, who is currently acting deputy chief, Programs and Legislation, in the agency’s national headquarters, will now oversee the more than 250 scientists and support staff at FPL who conduct research on expanded and diverse aspects of wood use. His first job with the Forest Service was as an economist at FPL.

“I am particularly excited about this opportunity, as I am returning to FPL, where I had my first permanent assignment in the Forest Service,” said Risbrudt. “The lab has a long history of innovation in wood products and uses and I am proud to become a part of that again.”

Risbrudt has held numerous Washington Office and field leadership positions with the agency, including: director, Strategic Planning and Resource Assessment Staff; director, Ecosystem Management Coordination; deputy regional forester, Northern Region; and director, Policy Analysis. In addition, from February through April 2001, he was detailed to USDA’s Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, to help with the transition for the new Administration.

Risbrudt earned a bachelor’s degree in 1972 from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in 1976 and a doctorate degree in 1979 from Michigan State University. He is a member of the Society of American Foresters, Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

A native of Fergus Falls, Minn., his hobbies include fishing, boating, hunting, fly tying, book collecting and wine making. Risbrudt and his wife, Sue, have two grown children, Christine and Jill.

Risbrudt succeeds Tom Hamilton, who retired in June after 37 years with the Forest Service.