Management

Insect expert Linthicum honored for disease prevention work

The Partnership for Public Service recently named Kenneth Linthicum of USDA's Agricultural Research Service as one of the 2013 finalists for the National Secur...

Michael O'Connell@moconnellWFED

May 21, 2013 7:31 am

2 min read

wfedstaff | April 17, 2015 5:00 pm

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Kenneth J. Linthicum’s work at the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service helps to make the world a safer place for humans and livestock by detecting debilitating and life-threatening diseases.

As one of the country’s leading experts on insects and disease prevention, Linthicum heads up ARS’ Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, Fla.

Kenneth Linthicum, director, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, USDA

“His work has provided the research findings needed to protect literally millions of people from disease and to save agriculture billions of dollars,” said Steven Kappes, ARS’ deputy administrator.

In recognition of Linthicum’s effort, the Partnership for Public Service recently named him as one of the 2013 finalists for the National Security and International Affairs Medal. This award honors federal employees who have made a significant contribution in the areas of national security and international affairs.

Linthicum answered the following questions about himself and his career in the federal government.

What three words best describe your leadership philosophy?
Facilitate, Inspire and Accomplish

What’s the best piece of advice (or words of wisdom) you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?
“Stop work and come to dinner,” from my wife, Sharon Linthicum.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My father and mother, Kenneth and Leila Linthicum, who engendered a strong work ethic, honesty, dedication to family and country

What’s the last thing you read and what’s next on your reading list?
Just finished “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand. Next will be “The Time of our Lives: A conversation about America” by Tom Brokaw.

What’s your favorite bureaucratic phrase?
“Under consideration”

The National Security and International Affairs Medal is just one of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) presented annually by the Partnership for Public Service. View a gallery of all the Sammies nominees here.