Faces Howard F. Wise Howard Wise was appointed executive director of the Office of Farmland Preservation in August 1999. The office assists farmers and local officials with their efforts to protect productive farmland, accepts donations of agricultural easements and educates Ohioans about the importance of farmland preservation. In addition, the office administers the $25 million Clean Ohio Fund Agricultural Easement Purchase Program. Prior to his current position, he served as Ohio Lt. Gov. Nancy Hollister’s executive assistant from 1995 to 1999. For 17 years Wise worked for the Ohio Department of Development in a variety of activities, including housing, downtown and economic development. Wise served in the United States Army for two years and attended The Ohio State University for seven years. He received two masters degrees from Ohio State, one in political science and the other in public administration. | |