GLICKMAN NAMES CAREER CONSERVATIONIST AS ACTING CHIEF OF NATURAL
  RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

                                            Release No. 0400.97
                                                               
                                    Tom Amontree(202) 720-4623 
                                          tom.amontree@usda.gov
                                     Brad Fisher (202) 720-4024
                                           brad.fisher@usda.gov

GLICKMAN NAMES CAREER CONSERVATIONIST AS ACTING CHIEF OF NATURAL
  RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE


     WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today named
Thomas A. Weber, a career conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to
serve as acting chief for the agency.

     Weber assumes the position following the departure of Paul W. Johnson who recently
returned to private life in Iowa.  

     "This Department places a high priority on strengthening our commitment to private land
conservation," Glickman said.  "Tom understands the issues, the resources, and our customers'
concerns and needs.  He will bring a wealth of experience, energy, and strong leadership to this
interim position."

     NRCS works directly with America's farmers and ranchers, communities, and other
private landowners to plan and implement conservation on their lands to improve, restore, and
protect the natural resources.

     "NRCS is a dynamic and progressive natural resource organization," said James R. Lyons,
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.  "Tom's leadership and expertise is
what we need in this interim period for NRCS to continue to aggressively implement the vision
for NRCS crafted under Paul Johnson's leadership."
          
     "I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to lead this great agency," Weber said. 
"Our nation's commitment to conservation on private lands has never been stronger and our
partnerships with conservation districts, state conservation agencies, Resource Conservation and
Development Councils, and other organizations is a model for working productively with local
people."
          
     Weber began his career with NRCS in Colorado in 1972.  Since that time he has served in
a number of technical, administrative, and management positions in North Carolina, Washington
State, Minnesota, California, and New Mexico.  He has served as Deputy Chief for Programs and
currently is Deputy Chief for Management for NRCS in Washington, D.C.
     
     Weber is a native of Wisconsin and grew up near Wisconsin Dells.  He received a B.S.
degree in natural resource management from the University of Wisconsin.  Weber also receved a
master's degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University, and a master's degree in
management from Stanford University.  
     
     Weber will serve as acting chief until a new chief is appointed and begins working.  An
announcement of the appointment is expected shortly with a reporting date sometime after
January 1.
     
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