Cornell AgriTech has a new director.
Chris Smart, a crop pathologist known for her leadership in protecting the health of specialty crops across New York state, will move into the role Oct. 1.
AgriTech officials said Olga Padilla-Zakour will continue to serve as interim director until Sept. 30, after which she will resume her duties as professor of food science and director of the Cornell Food Venture Center, which plays a critical role in supporting New York state’s food industry.
Padilla-Zakour took over as interim director when Jan Nyrop retired after 40 years with Cornell.
