MINOR USE FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Alan Norden has worked in the regulation of crop protection products and veterinary medicines for the past 26 years with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority as Executive Director of Registration Management and Director of Minor Use. During that time, Alan worked with many agricultural industries seeking crop protection solutions for minor crops and providing those industries guidance through the regulatory process. Alan also held roles as a member of the Organizing Committee for previous Global Minor Use Summits and as Chair of the OECD Expert Group on Minor Uses. Alan has been involved in the development of several guidance documents published by the OECD and the Australian regulator in areas relating to regulatory incentives, use of international data and extrapolation through crop grouping. Alan enjoys gardening, cricket and Australian Rules Football.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Anna Gore managed projects on pesticide MRL regulatory capacity-building and a large portfolio of global MRL activities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) for 7 years. Her activities at FAS focused on alignment and harmonization of regional MRL regulatory systems, underscored the importance of a science and risk-based approach to MRL regulation, and supported countries in the development of stronger plant health regulatory systems. Prior to USDA/FAS, Anna was the Associate Director for Foundation Relations at The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) where she oversaw proposal development and grant management. She has written extensively on the potential benefits of leveraging agricultural technologies to improve food security throughout the developing world, including products such as Golden Rice, drought resistant seed varieties, and GMO crops.
Anna earned her master's degree in international development from The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs and a bachelor's degree from Skidmore College. She is fluent in Spanish, having lived in Peru where she worked on women's health and nutrition issues. Anna resides in the San Francisco Bay area and when she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and painting.
Bill Barney has extensive research experience in the pesticide field including pesticide efficacy field screening, conducting bioassays of insecticides and fungicides, and as a Field Researcher conducting GLP pesticide studies including residue, field and aquatic dissipation, crop rotation, transferable turf, dislodgeable residue and greenhouse metabolism. Bill also has comprehensive experience as a study director and project manager for GLP studies. At the IR-4 Project, Bill was the study director for conventional chemistry residue studies and is currently a Biopesticide Regulatory Manager, providing regulatory assistance to register biopesticides with EPA. Supported by the International Crop Grouping Consulting Committee, Bill led the efforts to revise the U.S. crop grouping system. Also supported by the Codex Electronic Working Group for the revision of the Codex Classification of Food and Animal Feeds, he also led that effort to revise the international Codex Classification of Food and Animal Feeds. Bill has BS and MS degrees in entomology and a Master of Library and Information Science. Bill resides in New Jersey and when not working enjoys swimming and yoga.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer / Product Development Director - NE Region
Daniel Kunkel received his Ph.D. in Fruit and Vegetable Science from Cornell University in 1991. He began working for the IR-4 Project after graduating and spent the next 30 years coordinating domestic and international herbicide research projects resulting in numerous solutions for a broad array of minor crops. Dan is currently the Northeast Field Product Development Director for AMVAC Chemical Corporation supporting corn and specialty crops in the Northeast U.S. Throughout his career, Dan has been a champion of global stakeholder collaboration for minor uses cultivating relationships between governments, universities, grower groups and other industry activists. He co-chaired the Global Minor Use Summits in 2012, 2017 and helped organize the First Global Minor Use Workshop where minor use industry leaders met to discuss and set research priorities. Dan likes spending time with and traveling with his family. He is quick to note that he has always been a farmer at heart.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Founder of Bold Text Strategies
Daniella Taveau, founder of Bold Text Strategies, is an internationally recognized expert in developing global business and regulatory strategies. She advises multi-national corporations in the areas of international trade, finance, agriculture, food security and safety, chemicals, pesticides, new technologies, cosmetics and personal care, intergovernmental organizations, and information technology. Previously, Daniella was an International Trade Negotiator with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency where she represented the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO), free trade agreement negotiations, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (U.N. FAO), and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). She also served as an International Policy Analyst with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and as an executive for a global cosmetics company for ten years. She an executive in residence at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, serves on the Stimson Center Loomis innovation council and multiple executive boards, and was formerly a nonresident senior fellow for the Atlantic Council.
Dirk Drost received his Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Wisconsin in 1982. His retirement from Syngenta Crop Protection in 2019 marked 37 years of employment in the crop protection industry. During that time, Dirk represented Syngenta as a Liaison to the IR-4 Project and collaborated to initiate and complete many research projects resulting in new uses of existing and new crop protection chemicals being extended to specialty crops and minor uses. Yet, Dirk still remains active in the minor use industry through involvement as a board member of the Council for Agriculture Science and Technology and Board Chairman of the Minor Use Foundation. Dirk enjoys fishing, gardening, traveling and singing in a local Chancel Choir.
Job Titles:
- Global Operations Manager
Dr. Sasireka Rajendran has a PhD in Processing and Food Engineering from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. Having worked extensively on multi-country projects across Asia, Sasi possesses a deep understanding of diverse cultures and developed an ability to navigate complex international landscapes. Her contributions to project management and networking at the Minor Use Foundation are evident through her communication and coordination skills, allowing her to effectively liaise with stakeholders across different countries in Asia. She works closely with the technical team of MUF to monitor and implement activities on MRL data generation. She works with Asian countries to identify the gaps in the crop protection tools for minor use crops and scoping new projects for the region. Throughout her career, Sasireka has showcased commitment to the agricultural community, contributing to professional societies such as Phi Tau Sigma - The Honor Society for Food Science and Technology and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
She resides in Hyderabad, India. Outside of work, Sasi enjoys spending quality time with her family and indulging in her passion for cooking.
Dr. Wilfredo Robles obtained his doctorate at Mississippi State University in 2009 under the Weed Science program. His research topic was focused on the use of remote sensing and geospatial technologies for aquatic weed management. He also holds a Master of Crop Protection and a Bachelor of Animal Science from the University of Puerto Rico's Mayagüez Campus (UPRM).
Currently, Wilfredo has a combined appointment of teaching and research as a Professor in the Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station at UPRM. As a researcher, he conducts field research related to pesticide registration on tropical crops for pests and disease management. He is currently the state liaison for the IR-4 Project in Puerto Rico and has conducted related field research since 2011 at the Agricultural Experiment Station, Corozal. In 2023, he was awarded the IR-4 National Recognition of Excellence Award to recognize his team efforts to achieve regulatory approval of pesticide registrations. At the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, he teaches the undergraduate course "Weed Control" along with the graduate course "Mode of Action of Herbicides".
Wilfredo has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles on weed management as well as serving as Graduate Committee Chair and advisor to several master's degree students. He is a past president of the Puerto Rican Society of Agricultural Sciences and served as associate dean for the Agricultural Experiment Station, UPRM.
Job Titles:
- Regional Manager and Study Director, Latin America
Edwin Samir Barbosa is a chemist by profession at the National University of Colombia, with a master's degree in chemical sciences from the same academic faculty. He has experience in the extraction, separation, purification and identification of chemical compounds in natural products, as well as in the study of contaminants and pesticide residues in food. Prior to his association with the Foundation, Edwin worked for more than eight years as head of the pesticide residue analysis area at the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), the entity responsible for agricultural health and food safety in the Colombian countryside. In addition, he worked for a similar period as a Master Researcher at the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation - AGROSAVIA, leading research projects on crops with agroindustrial interest, in the development of new machinery, characterization and search for new uses of post-harvest by-products. Since 2012, he has participated in studies to determine pesticide residues in food in field and laboratory activities, as well as in the direction of studies, a position he currently holds.
Edwin is a car enthusiast and in his free time he loves to travel with his family, getting to know new places and natural landscapes, or enjoying movies and television.
Job Titles:
- Study Director, U.S. and Asia
Grace Lennon started her agricultural career as an analytical chemist providing analytical support for EPA registration of agricultural products. With over 20 years of experience, she previously worked as a study director for BASF, and then for over a decade with IR-4 overseeing field and lab research with an emphasis on regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Grace is an expert in GLP compliance in both the field and laboratory. She oversees studies in the U.S. and Asia for the Minor Use Foundation and provides technical guidance to teams around the world.
Grace resides in the Bucks County area outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In her spare time, Grace loves to be adventurous; she is always looking for the next challenge in rock climbing, hiking, biking or anything outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeritus Board
- CEO / Ag Aligned Global, LLC
Jason Sandahl spent 16 years with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service before departing the agency in 2021 to start a consulting firm drawing on his experience in international trade in agriculture. At USDA, Jason was Senior Program Manager - International Food Safety where he led international technical assistance programs on plant protection and minor uses worldwide. He coordinated capacity building efforts with U.S. regulatory agencies, international bodies, foreign governments, and the IR4 Project to promote international standards and reduce technical barriers to trade. Jason joined USDA as a Policy Fellow under the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellowship program. Prior to his employment with USDA, Jason held a post-doctorate research position at Hokkaido University through the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science program, and then as an assistant toxicology professor at the University of Swaziland in Africa as a Fulbright Scholar. Jason is also a minor-crop farmer in a small town in Oregon where he grows cherries, apples, and pears for both domestic and international markets.
Jerry Baron received his Ph.D. in Horticulture with emphasis on weed management from North Carolina State University in 1985. He joined IR-4 in 1986 coordinating weed science research, then moving into the position of Associate Director and subsequently Executive Director in 2006. Jerry is responsible for the day to day operations of the IR-4 Project with an operation budget of approximately $18 million US dollars and 125 full time scientists. In 1998, Jerry co-authored the second edition of Food and Feed Crops of the United States, which is the framework of crop grouping in North America. He chaired the Organization Committee of the first Global Minor Use Summit and is currently a delegate on the international Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues. Jerry served as the first Board Chairman of the Minor Use Foundation and continues to provide advice, insight and support to the Board of Directors. Jerry enjoys running (he's completed 48 full marathons), refereeing soccer and gardening.
Mellon Kabole is an accomplished agricultural science professional with close to 15 years of experience specializing in crop protection, phytosanitary regulation, plant quarantine, invasive species and food safety management. She also has extensive experience and a strong passion for promoting the use of biological and organic agricultural inputs and driving sustainable agricultural practices. She is passionate about the development and implementation of agricultural industry standards, codes of practice and guidelines, policy documents, and training of agricultural professionals at national, regional, and international levels.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeritus Board
- Biopesticide and Organic Support Program Manager and International Capacity Building
Michael Braverman earned his Ph.D. in Horticulture at the University of Florida and is a former Fulbright Scholar to Thailand. He joined IR-4 in 1999 directing field and laboratory residue studies and subsequently managed efficacy and regulatory affairs with biopesticides. He currently manages international capacity building programs, facilitates harmonization of regulations, and integration of biopesticides for conventional and organic systems. Successful international programs have resulted in establishment of new global trade standards. He has held positions as an Extension Vegetable Specialist with Texas A&M and as a Rice Weed Scientist at Louisiana State University. Michael enjoys fishing and raising unusual tropical vegetables. He speaks Thai and likes eating spicy food.
Nick Drost manages the Foundation's finances. Previously, he was an account manager at Big Rapids Products where he lead the successful launch of 60+ new projects across five different customer bases. Prior to Big Rapids Products, Nick worked in Grant Management for the IR-4 Project chapter of Rutgers University tracking contractor expenses, building project budgets, and conducting reporting to government agencies. Most notably, it was here where Nick assisted in establishing the Foundation and has conducted the financial accounting, reporting and business responsibilities ever since.
Nick earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture business management at Michigan State University. He currently resides in Morley, Michigan and sits as a trustee on the Village Council Board. Outside of work he enjoys fishing and kayaking on the river, cultivating plants and flowers, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Patricia Eulalio brings over four years of experience as an Executive Assistant, providing exceptional administrative support and ensuring seamless operations in dynamic environments. With a background in psychology and a passion for organizational efficiency, Patricia is skilled in managing schedules, coordinating projects, and streamlining workflows to help teams achieve their goals.
Patricia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Our Lady of Fatima University in the Philippines. Her academic foundation enables her to approach challenges with a keen understanding of human behavior, fostering effective communication and collaboration within her teams. Prior to joining the Minor Use Foundation, Patricia worked closely with executives across various industries, excelling in tasks such as social media management, content creation, and event coordination. Her ability to anticipate needs, maintain confidentiality, and adapt to fast-paced environments has made her an invaluable asset to the teams she has supported.
Residing in the Philippines, Patricia enjoys reading and going out exploring, whether discovering new places or immersing herself in the local culture.
Rina Palikhya, based in Nepal, serves as the Social Media Manager at the Minor Use Foundation, where she leverages her background in social media management, marketing, and graphic design to enhance the Foundation's online presence. Her passion for social media and content creation drives her to develop engaging strategies that effectively communicate the Foundation's mission.
Beyond her professional role, Rina is actively involved in community service through the Rotaract Club, participating in various initiatives.
Fluent in Nepali, English, and Hindi, with conversational proficiency in Nepal Bhasa, Rina is dedicated to using her skills to make a positive impact.
Job Titles:
- Communications Consultant
- Website Manager and Communications Support
Shannon McNamara is a communications consultant focused on helping small food and agriculture-related organizations communicate effectively online. She brings more than 30 years of experience in communications strategy development utilizing a wide variety of vehicles. Her work focuses on digital communications including websites, search engine optimization, paid search programs and customer relationship management marketing.
Shannon collaborated with the Minor Use Foundation to develop the organization's website and bring the Foundation's priority setting process online. She continues to provide support to the Foundation assisting with workshops, communications, website management, and other projects that draw on her experience.
Shannon has a BA in advertising with a minor in Japanese from Michigan State University. She is also a graduate of The Japan Adventure Program, a year-long, work-study program of intensive Japanese language and culture in Shiga, Japan through Lansing Community College. When she's not working, she enjoys hiking, going to concerts, photography, beading, and gardening.
Stephen Flanagan received his MS degree in plant science from Fresno State University in 1995 and his BS degree in soil science from the University of California, Davis in 1985. Through decades of field research and consulting he has directed multiple aspects of specialty crop pest management. Living in the Pacific Northwest since 2003, Stephen coordinated IR4 research trials and trained field research directors. As a professional plant nerd and agricultural consultant, Stephen has broad experience and expertise in specialty crop agriculture including international work in the Americas, New Zealand and Central Asia. When not tending his backyard orchard and garden he's often riding a bike or helping out at Shift Community Cycles in Eugene, Oregon.
Job Titles:
- Study Director, Central America and the Caribbean and Manager, Technical Operations
Prior to joining the Minor Use Foundation, Veronica Picado led the Laboratory for Analysis of Agrochemical Residues in Costa Rica's Office of Sanitary and Phytosanitary matters and oversaw the process of establishing its international accreditation (ISO 17025). She has also served as the Costa Rican delegate to the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues, the body responsible for setting international pesticide residue standards under the joint hospices of the WHO and the FAO. A chemist by training, she has extensive experience managing studies related to the magnitude of pesticide residues. She now serves as the Foundation's Study Director for Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the Manager for Technical Operations. She lives in San Jose, Costa Rica and In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and riding her bike.