Odom To Retire
News Date November 01, 2007
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom has announced he will retire on Jan. 14, 2008. "For 28 years, I've served the people of this state with pride and dignity. I've accomplished many things and I will retire knowing I've done the best job possible for the agriculture and forestry industries in Louisiana," Odom said.
During his retirement announcement, Odom thanked his family and the agriculture and forestry community for their support over the years. "I'd like to thank my wife, Millie, for her unwavering support and dedication. Our lives have revolved around this department for more than four decades and she cares about Louisiana agriculture and forestry as much as I do," Odom said. "You cannot do this job without the love and support of your family and they have never let me down."
Odom also expressed gratitude to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry employees. "You are family to me and I could never have accomplished what I have without you. Thank you--I appreciate all that you have done. The people of this state will continue to be served well because of you," he said.
Odom was elected commissioner of agriculture in 1979. Since that time the Office of Forestry and Soil & Water Conservation have been added to the department. In 2003, Odom was re-elected to his seventh consecutive term as commissioner of agriculture and forestry.
He was born in Haynesville and has spent his entire life in agriculture. Odom grew up on a 1,000-acre cotton and dairy farm and still has a 400-acre farm in Claiborne Parish.
Odom is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University in Animal Science. He has been with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry since 1960. Prior to his election as commissioner, he served as chief of the pesticide division, acting executive assistant to the commissioner, and director of technical services.
In 1970, Odom was recognized for outstanding service to agriculture by USDA. In 1976, he was commended by Concurrent Resolution of the Louisiana Legislature for many years of exemplary work with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. In 1982, he was awarded the Degree of Honorary American Farmer by the Future Farmers of America. In 1995, he was named Outstanding Agriculture Commissioner of the Year by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, a group representing more than 570 biotechnology companies and academic institutions. In 1996, Odom was named Man of the Year by the Progressive Farmer for his efforts to promote agriculture and agribusiness. Odom received the distinguished Agriculture Hall of Fame Award from the Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association in 2005.
In 1994 he served as president of NASDA and served on the Board of Directors for several years. He is also past president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture and Southern United States Trade Association.
Odom was a company commander with the U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa and retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He serves on many boards and commissions representing agriculture and is a member of numerous agricultural groups including the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, East Baton Rouge Parish Farm Bureau, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, World Trade Center of New Orleans and Louisiana Environmental Health Association.
Odom is a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center and is on the Board of Governors of National Agriculture Center Hall of Fame. He also holds many honorary memberships in agriculture organizations.
Bob Odom is married to the former Millie Randolph of Baton Rouge. They have two children, Robb and Ashley; three granddaughters, Taylor Brooke Odom, Baylie Monet Odom and Brighton Lynn Thompson; and one grandson, Nolan Randolph Thompson. He is a member of the First Baptist Church in Zachary. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)