South Carolina Forestry Commission Announces Hiring of New Agency Head

A career forester, Mr. Kodama has both undergraduate and graduate degrees in forestry from Clemson University.  His three decades of professional experience include serving as a Commercial Ventures Manager,

Southern Regional Manager, Southern Woodlands Manager, Operations Manager, Area Superintendent, and District Forester with MeadWestvaco.  In addition, Mr. Kodama previously served as CEO of Forest Technology Group and most recently as a member and partner with Principle Enterprises and Advance Investments.  In 2002 he served as chair of the SC Forestry Association.

Mr. Kodama is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist and is an active member of several organizations including the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  He is a hunter education instructor for the SC Department of Natural Resources.  He’s an active member of his community having served in leadership positions with area
chambers of commerce and The United Methodist Church.  He has served on Clemson University’s Board of Visitors and the Departments of Forestry and Extension Advisory Boards.  Mr. Kodama resides in Summerville.

Mr. Kodama will begin working with Bob Schowalter on October 15 on a part-time basis to ensure a smooth transition.  Bob Schowalter will retire after seven successful years as state forester guiding the agency through budget cuts, reorganization and technological change.

For more information contact: Scott Hawkins, Public Information, 803-896-8820