- January 22, 2025
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by: Gary Davidson
Activity Project Manager/Community Information, Volusia County Government
It’s a real quality of life issue that affects everyone.
And that’s why Volusia County government has a team of 28 professionals devoted to reducing nuisance mosquitoes and the risk of mosquito-borne illness in the county. And now, the team at the county’s Mosquito Control Division has a new leader. On Tuesday, Dec. 14, the Volusia County Council confirmed U.S. Navy veteran and entomologist Marcus McDonough as the county’s new mosquito control director.
McDonough replaces former Mosquito Control Director Suzanne Bartlett, who retired in October after serving Volusia County since 2014 and another 28 years before that with Pinellas County.
McDonough, who was selected by County Manager George Recktenwald for the position, was warmly welcomed by the County Council with a unanimous vote of confirmation.
“We’re very glad to have you,” Councilwoman Heather Post said. “I’m excited to see where you take it.”
McDonough brings 15 years of experience as an entomologist working to control ornamental, urban and vector pests. He was a nursery inspector and compliance officer for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for almost five years. McDonough also served as an entomologist for the U.S. Navy since 2011. His duties there included reviewing integrated pest management plans for the Department of Defense, developing innovative pest surveillance and management strategies and working with universities to identify new pest management products for military use. McDonough also led a team of entomologists and preventive medicine technicians that worked to control pests and vectors on military installations and ships throughout the world and served as a subject matter expert to foreign governments on behalf of the Navy in order to share best management practices and experiences involving pest management and public health.
“What an impressive and extensive resume you have,” Councilwoman Barb Girtman said.
McDonough thanked the council for the opportunity and said he’s eager to get to work.
“I’m very excited,” McDonough said. “I met with several of the staff yesterday and they seemed absolutely wonderful. I’m ready to get started and work with that great staff to continue the great work that they do for this county.”
McDonough, who is a certified training specialist and a certified Department of Defense pest management applicator, is scheduled to report to work on Jan. 10, 2022. He has both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in entomology from Purdue University and is also a certified training specialist and a certified Department of Defense pest management applicator.
