Leonard Kunzman, Salem
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has had a rich history
of directors who have led the agency through growth, challenges,
and accomplishments– all the while making sure ODA has remained
a service-oriented resource for the industry. Leonard Kunzman
left his imprint on ODA in a very positive way by serving 12
years at the helm in the 70s and 80s.
Leonard Kunzman was born and raised on a Clackamas County
dairy farm– an experience that would lead him to a lifetime
involvement with agriculture. Raising and selling sheep were
among the experiences that helped shape him for the future.
Growing up on a farm kept him busy all the way through his
teenage years. At Oregon City High School, there was the
opportunity to get involved in vocational ag and Future Farmers
of America.
After graduation, came military service in World War II and
a distinguished service recognition in Asia as part of the 32nd
Red Arrow Infantry Division. Like so many young soldiers at the
time though, Leonard had found time to get married– he and
Floralee exchanged vows in 1944.
The war ended and Leonard attended Oregon State, hoping to
become a veterinarian. Living in a trailer on campus, he
continued his involvement with agriculture and was encouraged to
at least think about teaching ag. Starting a new family delayed
the plans of getting into vet school. Leonard needed a job and
began teaching vocational agriculture at high schools in Salem
and Southern Oregon. He was responsible for the very first
vocational ag program in Jackson County.
In the late 50s, he established a pilot post-high school
adult vocational ag program for the Oregon Department of
Education. That later developed into a community college
program. As state director for ag education, Leonard supervised
a number of programs in high schools and community colleges. He
served as state advisor to Oregon’s FFA-- an association he
would continue in the future.
Kunzman completed a 3-year stint as executive vice-president
of the Oregon Farm Bureau and returned to the Department of
Education during the McCall administration as state director of
all career and vocational education as well as associate
superintendent of public instruction. Governor Straub then
appointed Leonard Kunzman as director of the Oregon Department
of Agriculture in 1975. He was reappointed by Governor Atiyeh
twice, until 1987. The fact that he was appointed by governors
of the two major parties is testament to his ability to get the
job done.
While at ODA, Leonard created a service-first philosophy. He
helped develop a unified voice for Oregon agriculture by meeting
weekly with ag leaders during legislative sessions. Under his
leadership, ODA developed a strong marketing program that made
successful forays into Pacific Rim markets. The Director often
led the trade missions to Japan and China at the invitation of
high-level leaders in those markets. His tenure as an officer
and eventual president of the National Association of State
Departments of Agriculture put him square in the middle of
national ag policy. |
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These are authentic stories from real
farmers. Any editorial content does not
necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Agri-Business
Council of Oregon or our members.
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