Shaping the Future of Agriculture

To help shape the future of agricultural education and innovation, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has convened a new Dean's Leadership Council—a distinguished group of leaders committed to advancing the college's mission through teaching, research, and extension.

Dean Troy Ott said the 17 members, who recently gathered on campus for their inaugural meeting and a tour of the college's research facilities, bring expertise from multigenerational farms, government, scientific research, academia, agricultural investment companies, and entrepreneurial ventures. Many are Penn State alumni or have longstanding ties to the University, united by a shared dedication to advancing the college.

"They will shape the long-term vision, guide key leadership decisions, balance the tripartite mission, and advance philanthropic initiatives across teaching, research, and extension," he said. "Members (who are appointed to three-year terms) will play a vital role in helping us move from good to great—providing candid guidance, engaging with our community and their networks, and supporting initiatives that will have a lasting impact in Pennsylvania and beyond."

He added that he is grateful for their willingness to serve. "Each of these individuals has senior leadership experience and knows how to make tough decisions in the face of competing priorities and limited resources," Ott said. "Each will challenge me to develop a more agile, innovative and impactful college."

Ott noted that the council's efforts are informed by, and extend the work of, the Penn State Ag Council, an industry-focused advisory group composed of a wide array of external agricultural organizations and stakeholders. The Ag Council serves in a key representational role and provides a forum for dialogue between the college and the broader agricultural community, ensuring that these perspectives inform the college's programs and priorities.

"Both groups are essential to fulfilling the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension, each contributing in complementary ways," Ott said.

Dan Azzara is the retired Alan R. Warehime Faculty Chair in Agribusiness in the College of Agricultural Sciences and the former director of the college's Entrepreneurship and Innovation program.

MeeCee Baker is the owner of Versant Strategies, a governmental relations firm focused on agricultural, environmental, and rural issues.

Andy Bater is a fourth-generation Pennsylvania farmer and a nationally recognized advocate for agricultural innovation, conservation, and rural policy.

Darryl Blakey is the manager of government affairs at BASF Corp. in Washington, D.C.

Jeff Conrad is the president and founder of AgIS Capital, an investment firm specializing in the acquisition and management of farmland and related operating companies.

Bill Curran is a professor emeritus and former extension weed specialist in plant science at Penn State. He is the past president of the Weed Science Society of America.

Daniel Eichenlaub is co-founder and president of Eichenlaub Inc., a premier design-build landscape construction firm.

Sharon Fenchak serves as Biltmore Estate Winery's executive winemaker.

Abe Harpster is an agricultural leader and dairy farmer whose family enterprise spans Huntingdon and Centre counties. Harpster recently completed his appointment on Penn State's Board of Trustees.

James Ingram serves as president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts.

Keith Masser is chairman and chief operating officer of Sterman Masser Inc., a family-owned, 6,000-acre potato operation. He has also served as chairman of the University Board of Trustees.

Bill MacCauley and his family own MacCauley Suffolks, the largest Suffolk sheep breeding flock in North America.

Justin McElhattan is the founder of Nicely Road Capital, a company focused on helping farmers reach their full potential.

Bruce McPheron is executive vice president and provost emeritus at the Ohio State University and a former dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Fred Metzger is the founder and past medical director of the VCA Metzger Animal Hospital.

Mark Wach serves as the chief innovation officer at Sylvan Inc., a fungal biotechnology company.

Tricia Warehime is the owner of G&S Foods, a snack-food manufacturer in York County.