Mike Potter Recognized with NPMA Pinnacle Award at PestWorld ‘11

NEW ORLEANS — Dr. Michael Potter, professor and urban extension entomologist at the University of Kentucky, was recognized with the Pinnacle Award, NPMA’s most prestigious award, for his dedication, contributions and commitment to the pest management industry. Potter was presented the award today at NPMA PestWorld in New Orleans.

Potter received his bachelor’s degree in entomology from Cornell University, and a master’s and Ph.D. in entomology with a specialization in integrated pest management from the University of Arizona.

Prior to joining the University of Kentucky in 1991, Potter was the national technical director for Orkin Pest Control, based in Atlanta, Ga. His responsibilities there included selection and development of products, programs, and services, troubleshooting infestations, training personnel, and advisor and spokesman on technical, legal, and regulatory issues for the company. Before joining Orkin, Potter worked in the agrichemicals industry as a research entomologist responsible for new insecticide development and as development manager for commercial products.

At the University of Kentucky, his areas of responsibility include urban, horticultural, and medical entomology. As one of the few urban entomologists in the country with a 100 percent university extension appointment, Potter spends much of his time advising industry professionals and consumers with pest management problems. His extension and applied research program provides cutting-edge information and advice to clients worldwide, especially the professional pest management industry.

Potter is a prolific author and industry speaker. He has been recognized by Pest Control Technology as one of the “25 Most Influential People in the Industry,” and was a recipient of the Crown Leadership Award. Potter and his family reside in Lexington, Ky.