Alumni to lead key statewide agriculture and forestry roles
Charles Green ’97 has been named commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Terry Lasher '01 has been appointed state forester.
Charles Green and Terry Lasher. Images courtesy of Green and Lasher.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has appointed two College of Natural Resources and Environment alumni to prominent statewide leadership positions: Charles Green ’97 has been named commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Terry Lasher ’01 has been appointed state forester.
The appointments highlight the university’s long-standing role in preparing leaders to serve Virginia’s agricultural, natural resource, and rural communities.
“It’s wonderful to see our alumni making such a profound difference in communities across Virginia,” said Saskia van de Gevel, dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment. “Charles Green and Terry Lasher exemplify the college’s mission of service, leadership, and stewardship. They are outstanding ambassadors for Virginia Tech, and we’re excited to see the positive impact they will have in the years ahead.”
As commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Green will oversee programs that support agriculture, food safety, consumer protection, and economic development across the commonwealth.
Green brings extensive experience in agriculture and public service to the role with a career focused on strengthening agricultural systems and supporting producers and rural communities. As commissioner, he will work closely with farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers to ensure a resilient and competitive agricultural economy.
“Virginia Tech played a formative role in shaping my career and my commitment to public service,” Green said. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to working with producers, partners, and communities across the commonwealth to support agriculture and ensure its long-term success.”
As state forester, Lasher will lead the Virginia Department of Forestry’s efforts in forest management, wildfire protection, conservation, and landowner assistance.
Lasher’s career has focused on sustainable forest management, conservation, and public service, with an emphasis on balancing environmental stewardship with economic vitality. In his new role, he will guide statewide strategies to protect forest resources, support private landowners, and enhance forest resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
“My time at Virginia Tech instilled a deep respect for science-based decision-making and service to the public,” Lasher said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead Virginia’s forestry efforts and to work alongside dedicated professionals who care deeply about our forests and communities.”
