Rod Wells was the 2012 recipient of the Hathaway-Ritter Distinguished Achievement Award. Rod started in 1984 with EBRMARC as a biologist and played a key role in developing the encephalitis surveillance program. Rod was promoted to Assistant Director in 1986 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2012. Over the years Rod played a significant role in the District's success in a supervisory role, implementing in-house as well as public education programs and active participation in numerous encephalitis surveillance programs.
Rod began his service on the LMCA BOD in 1991 amd served the 1st of his 2 terms as board president in 1994. Rod was an active board member until his retirement. Not only an active member of the LMCA, Rod served continuously on AMCA standing committees. Rod was instrumental in developing and implementing the EBRMARC Summer Educational Outreach Program.
After graduating Southern University with a BS in Biology in 1975, he was commissioned as a Navy Ensign aboard the USS San Jose where he served as deck and weapons officer, electrical officer and navigator. He continued his military service in the Navy Reserve after active duty where he was promoted to Commander. He was then promoted to Captain and served as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Training Center in Baton Rouge. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1998 after having served for over 23 years.
Rod attended Knoxville College in Tennessee where he played defensive end.
Rod later joined the Louisiana High School Officials Association where he officiated for 20 years.
The LMCA, co-workers and friends wish you well. Thanks for serving us through the years. We are going to miss you.
Enjoy your retirement and stay in touch!