29th June 2005
New Leader for Scion
Rotorua Crown Research Institute, Scion (formerly Forest Research) has announced the appointment of Dr Russ Ballard as
its new Chairman.
Dr Ballard took over the role on 1 July from Brian Armstrong who has ended his term on the Board.
Dr Ballard retired as the Chief Executive of Land Information New Zealand in June 2003 after a long and distinguished
career in the Public Service.
With a Massey University Master's degree in agricultural science, Dr Ballard began his career as a research scientist in
the forestry sector.
In 1987 he was appointed to head the newly created Ministry of Forestry - part of the first wave of restructurings that
saw commercial operations and core government functions starting to be teased apart.
From there he became Director-General of the then Department of Education, overseeing the creation of today's Ministry,
and the implementation of Tomorrow's Schools.
This was followed by seven years as Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Again, this was a
period of great change.
Dr Ballard is well placed to lead Scion as the organisation builds momentum under its new brand and biomaterial futures
strategy.
Other changes to the Scion Board include extensions of term for Bryce Whitcher and Margaret Emerre.
ENDS