Speaker Biographies
Updated 12/14/2015
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown
Don Brown was appointed the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture by Governor John Hickenlooper in January 2015. Brown, a third-generation farmer in Yuma County, has run several successful businesses while spending most of his career managing and growing his family’s extensive farm operations. He has also been active in water conservation, energy development and technology innovation issues within the industry.
Don and his wife, Peggy, have three children who continue to call Colorado home. The Brown family farm was homesteaded in 1911 and has been designated as a Centennial Farm. Don’s parents, Cleo and Jennie, were pioneers in pivot irrigation in Yuma County. Don continues that pioneering spirit today through his study of the Ogallala Aquifer and holds two U.S. patents for his fence post systems.
Don Brown was appointed the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture by Governor John Hickenlooper in January 2015. Brown, a third-generation farmer in Yuma County, has run several successful businesses while spending most of his career managing and growing his family’s extensive farm operations. He has also been active in water conservation, energy development and technology innovation issues within the industry.
Don and his wife, Peggy, have three children who continue to call Colorado home. The Brown family farm was homesteaded in 1911 and has been designated as a Centennial Farm. Don’s parents, Cleo and Jennie, were pioneers in pivot irrigation in Yuma County. Don continues that pioneering spirit today through his study of the Ogallala Aquifer and holds two U.S. patents for his fence post systems.
David L. Brown, Cornell University
David L. Brown is International Professor of Development Sociology, and co-director of the Community & Regional Development Institute at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Professor Brown is a social demographer whose research focuses on migration and population redistribution in the US and Europe with a particular focus on how migration affects and is affected by local community organization. His work also examines population ageing, the production and reproduction of social and economic inequalities between regions and rural vs. urban areas, the social organization of the urban-rural interface, and policies to ameliorate such inequalities. His recent books include: The International Handbook of Rural Studies (Routledge 2016f) (co-edited), Rural Transformations and Rural Policies in the UK and US (Routledge, 2012) (co-edited), Rural Communities in the 21st Century: Resilience and Transformation (Polity, 2011) (with Kai Schafft), Rural Retirement Migration (Springer, 2008) (with Nina Glasgow), Population Change and Rural Society (Springer, 2006) (co-edited). Among other recognition, he received the Distinguished Rural Sociologist award from the Rural Sociological Society: is past president of the Rural Sociological Society; is chair of the American Sociological Association’s Section on the Sociology of Development; received the Chancellor’s Award for Sustained Professional Service from the State University of New York, and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Rousse University in Bulgaria in 2007 recognizing his contributions to that university’s rural and regional development educational programs.
David L. Brown is International Professor of Development Sociology, and co-director of the Community & Regional Development Institute at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Professor Brown is a social demographer whose research focuses on migration and population redistribution in the US and Europe with a particular focus on how migration affects and is affected by local community organization. His work also examines population ageing, the production and reproduction of social and economic inequalities between regions and rural vs. urban areas, the social organization of the urban-rural interface, and policies to ameliorate such inequalities. His recent books include: The International Handbook of Rural Studies (Routledge 2016f) (co-edited), Rural Transformations and Rural Policies in the UK and US (Routledge, 2012) (co-edited), Rural Communities in the 21st Century: Resilience and Transformation (Polity, 2011) (with Kai Schafft), Rural Retirement Migration (Springer, 2008) (with Nina Glasgow), Population Change and Rural Society (Springer, 2006) (co-edited). Among other recognition, he received the Distinguished Rural Sociologist award from the Rural Sociological Society: is past president of the Rural Sociological Society; is chair of the American Sociological Association’s Section on the Sociology of Development; received the Chancellor’s Award for Sustained Professional Service from the State University of New York, and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Rousse University in Bulgaria in 2007 recognizing his contributions to that university’s rural and regional development educational programs.
Jason Resnick, Western Growers Association
Jason Resnick joined Western Growers in 2003 as a staff attorney. Today as Vice President and General Counsel, he has responsibility for overseeing the organization’s legal affairs. Jason works closely with the Western Growers executive team on legal, business and policy matters and he has primary staff responsibility for the Western Growers Labor Committee.
Prior to joining Western Growers, Jason was an attorney at a prominent Orange County law firm where he specialized in tort litigation defense. His litigation experience includes trying jury and bench trials, administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies, and drafting appellate briefs to the California Supreme Court and state and federal courts of appeal.
Jason is a frequent speaker and magazine contributor on employment and labor law matters and other legal issues affecting the fresh produce industry. He serves on the board of directors for the Agricultural Personnel Management Association and served as co-chair of the Agribusiness Committee of the State Bar of California.
Jason received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine and his JD from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of Gavin, who attends high school at the Orange County School of the Arts.
Jason Resnick joined Western Growers in 2003 as a staff attorney. Today as Vice President and General Counsel, he has responsibility for overseeing the organization’s legal affairs. Jason works closely with the Western Growers executive team on legal, business and policy matters and he has primary staff responsibility for the Western Growers Labor Committee.
Prior to joining Western Growers, Jason was an attorney at a prominent Orange County law firm where he specialized in tort litigation defense. His litigation experience includes trying jury and bench trials, administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies, and drafting appellate briefs to the California Supreme Court and state and federal courts of appeal.
Jason is a frequent speaker and magazine contributor on employment and labor law matters and other legal issues affecting the fresh produce industry. He serves on the board of directors for the Agricultural Personnel Management Association and served as co-chair of the Agribusiness Committee of the State Bar of California.
Jason received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine and his JD from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of Gavin, who attends high school at the Orange County School of the Arts.
Dr. Noa Roman-Muniz, DVM,Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University
Dr. Noa Roman-Muniz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. After completing a pre-veterinary program at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez in 1997, she earned a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2001. She has been with Colorado State University since the summer of 2001. After finishing an internship program in Food Animal Internal Medicine and Surgery at CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2002, she earned a M.S. degree with an emphasis in adult education in 2004 from CSU’s Department of Clinical Sciences. From 2004 to 2008, as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Clinical Sciences, she developed and facilitated culturally-sensitive training interventions for Spanish-speaking livestock workers. During that time she also conducted herd health investigations on Colorado dairy herds. Dr. Roman-Muniz has been with the Department of Animal Sciences since August of 2008 as Faculty and the Extension Dairy Specialist. Dr. Roman-Muniz’s areas of interest are animal health and well-being, dairy worker training, labor management, and human safety and health on livestock operations.
Dr. Noa Roman-Muniz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. After completing a pre-veterinary program at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez in 1997, she earned a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2001. She has been with Colorado State University since the summer of 2001. After finishing an internship program in Food Animal Internal Medicine and Surgery at CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2002, she earned a M.S. degree with an emphasis in adult education in 2004 from CSU’s Department of Clinical Sciences. From 2004 to 2008, as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Clinical Sciences, she developed and facilitated culturally-sensitive training interventions for Spanish-speaking livestock workers. During that time she also conducted herd health investigations on Colorado dairy herds. Dr. Roman-Muniz has been with the Department of Animal Sciences since August of 2008 as Faculty and the Extension Dairy Specialist. Dr. Roman-Muniz’s areas of interest are animal health and well-being, dairy worker training, labor management, and human safety and health on livestock operations.
Michael Hirakata, Hirakata Farms & Produce, LLC
He was born and raised in Rocky Ford, Colorado and graduated high school in 1988. He attended 3 years of college at Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University. He has farmed with his family his whole life. He started farming on his own in 1990 and managed operations at packing facility from 1994-2000. He has managed labor from 1994 to present, he has been head of sales for cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew and pumpkins from 2000-present. He oversees farming operations, such as, planting, harvesting and post harvest operations. He coordinates and manages all outside producers for Hirakata Farms. He is the President and spokesman of the Rocky Ford Growers Association. He has been appointed to the Agriculture Commission of the State of Colorado.
He was born and raised in Rocky Ford, Colorado and graduated high school in 1988. He attended 3 years of college at Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University. He has farmed with his family his whole life. He started farming on his own in 1990 and managed operations at packing facility from 1994-2000. He has managed labor from 1994 to present, he has been head of sales for cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew and pumpkins from 2000-present. He oversees farming operations, such as, planting, harvesting and post harvest operations. He coordinates and manages all outside producers for Hirakata Farms. He is the President and spokesman of the Rocky Ford Growers Association. He has been appointed to the Agriculture Commission of the State of Colorado.
Robert Sakata, Sakata Farms
Robert is a Colorado native and now owns Sakata Farms which was started in 1945 by his father. The operation has grown to 2500 acres growing fresh market cabbage, dry bulb onions, sweet corn, pinto bean, field corn and winter wheat. Robert served for 15 years on the state of Colorado’s Water Quality Control Commission appointed by 3 different Governors. He also served as the Adams County Farm Bureau President and on the Adams County Open Space Advisory Committee. Currently he is on two local ditch boards, serves as the agricultural representative on the metro round table, is a member of the Colorado Ag Water Alliance and on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Water Congress.
After graduating Brighton High School Robert attended the University of Colorado Boulder and worked for AmGen in their molecular biology research department. Returning to the farm in 1989 Robert has worked to encourage the shrinking farm community to become more involved in the many issues that they face.
Robert is a Colorado native and now owns Sakata Farms which was started in 1945 by his father. The operation has grown to 2500 acres growing fresh market cabbage, dry bulb onions, sweet corn, pinto bean, field corn and winter wheat. Robert served for 15 years on the state of Colorado’s Water Quality Control Commission appointed by 3 different Governors. He also served as the Adams County Farm Bureau President and on the Adams County Open Space Advisory Committee. Currently he is on two local ditch boards, serves as the agricultural representative on the metro round table, is a member of the Colorado Ag Water Alliance and on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Water Congress.
After graduating Brighton High School Robert attended the University of Colorado Boulder and worked for AmGen in their molecular biology research department. Returning to the farm in 1989 Robert has worked to encourage the shrinking farm community to become more involved in the many issues that they face.
Juriana Sperandio, Head of Organization Development, JBS LLC
Juriana has 15 years of experience within Human Resources; working in retail, telecommunication and manufacturing businesses, most of those years in leadership roles. She started her career with JBS in 2006 managing the Human resources for plant in Brazil and moved to USA in 2007 serving as head of Human resources for the Beef Business through 2014. Juriana has led the organizational development strategies for JBS since January of 2015. Juriana earned a Bachelor degree in Phycology from UNIC in 2001 and MBA in Human Resources Management from UNIVAG in 2006 (both in Brazil). She is currently working on her executive coach certification through College of Executive Coaching in Pismo Beach, CA
Juriana has 15 years of experience within Human Resources; working in retail, telecommunication and manufacturing businesses, most of those years in leadership roles. She started her career with JBS in 2006 managing the Human resources for plant in Brazil and moved to USA in 2007 serving as head of Human resources for the Beef Business through 2014. Juriana has led the organizational development strategies for JBS since January of 2015. Juriana earned a Bachelor degree in Phycology from UNIC in 2001 and MBA in Human Resources Management from UNIVAG in 2006 (both in Brazil). She is currently working on her executive coach certification through College of Executive Coaching in Pismo Beach, CA
Lisa Nichols, Manager, Registrations, Regulatory Department, Loveland Products Inc. (LPI)
Lisa Nichols is Manager, Registrations in the Regulatory Department of Loveland Products, Inc (LPI) in Loveland, CO. She is responsible for crop protection product management at the federal level, as well as for regulatory compliance of seed licensed and sold by LPI, including Crop Production Services (CPS) seed brand Dyna-Gro. Ms. Nichols was accepted into Class 12 of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) in 2015. She also serves as the Co-Lead for the Northern Colorado Chapter of the Agrium Women's Leadership Group (AWLG). Nichols earned her Masters of Science at American University in Environmental Science and Assessment. She also graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.
Lisa Nichols is Manager, Registrations in the Regulatory Department of Loveland Products, Inc (LPI) in Loveland, CO. She is responsible for crop protection product management at the federal level, as well as for regulatory compliance of seed licensed and sold by LPI, including Crop Production Services (CPS) seed brand Dyna-Gro. Ms. Nichols was accepted into Class 12 of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) in 2015. She also serves as the Co-Lead for the Northern Colorado Chapter of the Agrium Women's Leadership Group (AWLG). Nichols earned her Masters of Science at American University in Environmental Science and Assessment. She also graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.
Theresa Rumery, Co-Manager, Osage Gardens
Theresa Rumery is the co-manager of Osage Gardens, an organic farm on the western slope that has specialized in growing and packaging culinary herbs for 24 years. Theresa has been actively working on the farm for the past seven years when she took over management from her parents. Theresa has a degree in Finance and in German from the University of Colorado Boulder and prior to Osage Gardens she worked as an IT Consultant for Accenture based out of their Frankfurt, Germany office.
Theresa Rumery is the co-manager of Osage Gardens, an organic farm on the western slope that has specialized in growing and packaging culinary herbs for 24 years. Theresa has been actively working on the farm for the past seven years when she took over management from her parents. Theresa has a degree in Finance and in German from the University of Colorado Boulder and prior to Osage Gardens she worked as an IT Consultant for Accenture based out of their Frankfurt, Germany office.
Shauna Brown, Student Ag Teacher
Shauna Brown is a senior Agricultural Education major at Colorado State University. Shauna is currently student teaching in McClave, CO and will graduate in May. She is originally from Castle Rock, CO where her family lived on a small ranch. Shauna became involved in 4-H and FFA at a young age and found her passion for the agricultural industry. She loves educating people about our industry and the many opportunities there are within it, which is why being an Ag Teacher is a perfect fit for her. Shauna is excited to be a part of this day and of this panel for Women in Agriculture!
Shauna Brown is a senior Agricultural Education major at Colorado State University. Shauna is currently student teaching in McClave, CO and will graduate in May. She is originally from Castle Rock, CO where her family lived on a small ranch. Shauna became involved in 4-H and FFA at a young age and found her passion for the agricultural industry. She loves educating people about our industry and the many opportunities there are within it, which is why being an Ag Teacher is a perfect fit for her. Shauna is excited to be a part of this day and of this panel for Women in Agriculture!
Robbie Baird LeValley, LeValley Ranch
Robbie Baird LeValley, her husband Mark, brother in-law, and 2 boys ranch in the Hotchkiss and Crawford area on the Western Slope of Colorado. Her family is in partnership with 5 other ranches and own and operate Homestead Meats a direct beef marketing and USDA processing plant that has been in business since 1995. Robbie received her Bachelors and Master's degrees from Colorado State University. She worked for Colorado State University for twenty three years. In 2012, she took the job of Delta County Administrator but continues to be very involved with agriculture and is currently serving as chairman of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Federal Lands committee and Director of the Colorado Public Lands Council. She has been actively involved since 1995 with the Gunnison Sage grouse and the grouse primarily utilize the habitat on the LeValley Ranch private lands and BLM allotments. Her research and on-the-ground experience shows the importance of working landscapes to local economies, wildlife, and threatened and endangered species.
Robbie Baird LeValley, her husband Mark, brother in-law, and 2 boys ranch in the Hotchkiss and Crawford area on the Western Slope of Colorado. Her family is in partnership with 5 other ranches and own and operate Homestead Meats a direct beef marketing and USDA processing plant that has been in business since 1995. Robbie received her Bachelors and Master's degrees from Colorado State University. She worked for Colorado State University for twenty three years. In 2012, she took the job of Delta County Administrator but continues to be very involved with agriculture and is currently serving as chairman of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Federal Lands committee and Director of the Colorado Public Lands Council. She has been actively involved since 1995 with the Gunnison Sage grouse and the grouse primarily utilize the habitat on the LeValley Ranch private lands and BLM allotments. Her research and on-the-ground experience shows the importance of working landscapes to local economies, wildlife, and threatened and endangered species.
Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Executive Director of Global Sustainability, National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Kim Stackhouse-Lawson serves as the Executive Director of Global Sustainability for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association where she manages the beef checkoff sustainability research program, international and domestic sustainability engagement and works to enhance producer education to advance sustainability through the beef value chain. In this capacity, she coordinates innovative research, serves as an industry spokesperson, and collaborates closely with value chain partners to enhance beef sustainability and improve consumer and stakeholder trust in the way beef is raised. She is a board of director for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and the administrator of the United States Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, a multi-stakeholder initiative developed to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement in sustainability of the U.S. beef value chain.
In addition to her research and leadership activities, Dr. Stackhouse-Lawson speaks to professional audiences both in the United States and internationally. She received her PhD in animal science from University of California, Davis, and completed her post-doc at Kansas State University, Beef Cattle Institute, in the College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2013 she was recognized as a UC Davis alumni spotlight for her leadership and career accomplishments in the area of sustainability.
Kim Stackhouse-Lawson serves as the Executive Director of Global Sustainability for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association where she manages the beef checkoff sustainability research program, international and domestic sustainability engagement and works to enhance producer education to advance sustainability through the beef value chain. In this capacity, she coordinates innovative research, serves as an industry spokesperson, and collaborates closely with value chain partners to enhance beef sustainability and improve consumer and stakeholder trust in the way beef is raised. She is a board of director for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and the administrator of the United States Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, a multi-stakeholder initiative developed to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement in sustainability of the U.S. beef value chain.
In addition to her research and leadership activities, Dr. Stackhouse-Lawson speaks to professional audiences both in the United States and internationally. She received her PhD in animal science from University of California, Davis, and completed her post-doc at Kansas State University, Beef Cattle Institute, in the College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2013 she was recognized as a UC Davis alumni spotlight for her leadership and career accomplishments in the area of sustainability.
Kaye Reitzenstein, Retail Controller, Crop Production Services, Agrium
Kaye Reitzenstein is the Controller for Retail Operations for Agrium, Inc. where she leads the finance and accounting teams of the $13 Billion international agricultural retailer, including Crop Production Services (CPS) in North America. Kaye has overall accountability for the retail division’s financial and operational accounting, planning and forecasting and is a key member of Agrium’s Leadership Team. Kaye has over 25 years of experience in the finance sector; prior to joining Agrium in 2007, she worked for Newmont Mining, Sports Authority and Deloitte.
Kaye and her family are very involved in 4H and FFA activities, and Kaye currently serves as a 4H leader and a board member of the Colorado FFA Foundation. Kaye grew up on a farm and ranch, is still very involved with her family’s livestock and currently resides on a small farm in Kersey, CO with her husband, Mark; daughter, Kyndal; and son, Austin.
Kaye Reitzenstein is the Controller for Retail Operations for Agrium, Inc. where she leads the finance and accounting teams of the $13 Billion international agricultural retailer, including Crop Production Services (CPS) in North America. Kaye has overall accountability for the retail division’s financial and operational accounting, planning and forecasting and is a key member of Agrium’s Leadership Team. Kaye has over 25 years of experience in the finance sector; prior to joining Agrium in 2007, she worked for Newmont Mining, Sports Authority and Deloitte.
Kaye and her family are very involved in 4H and FFA activities, and Kaye currently serves as a 4H leader and a board member of the Colorado FFA Foundation. Kaye grew up on a farm and ranch, is still very involved with her family’s livestock and currently resides on a small farm in Kersey, CO with her husband, Mark; daughter, Kyndal; and son, Austin.
John Corbett, CEO & Co-Founder, aWhere, Inc.
John Corbett, Ph.D., is an agricultural climatologist and aWhere, Inc. Co-Founder and CEO. John focused his career on growing a repertoire of applied temporal-spatial applications in agricultural meteorology and a scalable, enterprise, location intelligence platform. aWhere maintains a global resource of high-resolution, current, daily observed and forecast agronomic weather data for localized ‘smart content’ planet-wide. With 25+ years working in agriculture and international development, John now leads a team that includes software experts, agricultural scientists, and business leaders leveraging technology to deliver actionable, timely, location specific information meeting a wide spectrum of needs across the agricultural value chain. Prior to aWhere, John worked with Syngenta as Head of Global GIS; at Texas A&M’s Blackland Research Center; with ICRAF – Nairobi; and with CIMMYT – Mexico.
John Corbett, Ph.D., is an agricultural climatologist and aWhere, Inc. Co-Founder and CEO. John focused his career on growing a repertoire of applied temporal-spatial applications in agricultural meteorology and a scalable, enterprise, location intelligence platform. aWhere maintains a global resource of high-resolution, current, daily observed and forecast agronomic weather data for localized ‘smart content’ planet-wide. With 25+ years working in agriculture and international development, John now leads a team that includes software experts, agricultural scientists, and business leaders leveraging technology to deliver actionable, timely, location specific information meeting a wide spectrum of needs across the agricultural value chain. Prior to aWhere, John worked with Syngenta as Head of Global GIS; at Texas A&M’s Blackland Research Center; with ICRAF – Nairobi; and with CIMMYT – Mexico.
Dr. Norm Dalsted, Professor and Extension Farm/Ranch Management Economist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University
Dr. Norm Dalsted is a Professor and Extension Farm/Ranch Management Economist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Dalsted has worked in numerous areas of production agriculture including financial management, costs of production, risk management, estate and succession planning. Currently he and his colleague are holding a number of workshop throughout the state on succession and estate planning for producers and their families.
Dr. Dalsted received his B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University and his Ph. D. in Economics from Colorado State University. He has been in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics since 1981. He was selected into the Colorado Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2013. Dr. Dalsted is also a combat veteran having served as a platoon leader on the DMZ, Vietnam in 1969-70.
Dr. Norm Dalsted is a Professor and Extension Farm/Ranch Management Economist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Dalsted has worked in numerous areas of production agriculture including financial management, costs of production, risk management, estate and succession planning. Currently he and his colleague are holding a number of workshop throughout the state on succession and estate planning for producers and their families.
Dr. Dalsted received his B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University and his Ph. D. in Economics from Colorado State University. He has been in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics since 1981. He was selected into the Colorado Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2013. Dr. Dalsted is also a combat veteran having served as a platoon leader on the DMZ, Vietnam in 1969-70.
Eric Peterson, Peterson, Rosenberg PLLC
Eric Peterson from Peterson, Rosenberg PLLC, Attorneys at Law, was born in Lansing, Michigan. Peterson graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in 1967 and attended the University of Missouri graduating in 1972 with his J.D. degree. Peterson was admitted to the bar in 1973, Colorado and U.S. District Court of Colorado. Peterson is a founding member of Peterson, Rosenberg PLLC, which was established August 1, 2007. Peterson’s practice areas are estate planning, probate, taxation, business and chartimble entities and elder law.
Eric Peterson from Peterson, Rosenberg PLLC, Attorneys at Law, was born in Lansing, Michigan. Peterson graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in 1967 and attended the University of Missouri graduating in 1972 with his J.D. degree. Peterson was admitted to the bar in 1973, Colorado and U.S. District Court of Colorado. Peterson is a founding member of Peterson, Rosenberg PLLC, which was established August 1, 2007. Peterson’s practice areas are estate planning, probate, taxation, business and chartimble entities and elder law.
David Remson, Triangle Consulting
David Remson is an accomplished facilitator, trainer and keynote speaker. Combining over 20 years of experience with professional development and education, David works with individuals and organizations to facilitate the achievement of their highest order goals. He has provided facilitation, coaching and training services to a diverse range of public, private and non-profit organizations. His clients have included numerous University Extension Services groups, state and municipal governments, service and community agencies and public utilities across the country.
David is known for his ability to successfully engage groups through humor, skill and dedication to equitable and productive process. His experience with such a wide variety of clients ensures an understanding of both the business and cultural needs of successful organizations. He has been an invited keynote speaker on such topics as generational differences, respectful workplace, cultural competence and stress free workplace. He is a certified TOP ® facilitator and has led many groups to consensus utilizing this methodology. David also holds certifications in Emergenetics, coaching, change management and multiple training products. He earned a master’s degree in management and organizational leadership from Regis University which cemented his commitment to workplace equity and social justice.
Most importantly, David is focused on helping groups, individuals and organizations come together to create and achieve their best preferred future.
David Remson is an accomplished facilitator, trainer and keynote speaker. Combining over 20 years of experience with professional development and education, David works with individuals and organizations to facilitate the achievement of their highest order goals. He has provided facilitation, coaching and training services to a diverse range of public, private and non-profit organizations. His clients have included numerous University Extension Services groups, state and municipal governments, service and community agencies and public utilities across the country.
David is known for his ability to successfully engage groups through humor, skill and dedication to equitable and productive process. His experience with such a wide variety of clients ensures an understanding of both the business and cultural needs of successful organizations. He has been an invited keynote speaker on such topics as generational differences, respectful workplace, cultural competence and stress free workplace. He is a certified TOP ® facilitator and has led many groups to consensus utilizing this methodology. David also holds certifications in Emergenetics, coaching, change management and multiple training products. He earned a master’s degree in management and organizational leadership from Regis University which cemented his commitment to workplace equity and social justice.
Most importantly, David is focused on helping groups, individuals and organizations come together to create and achieve their best preferred future.
Loren H. Howard, CEO, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Loren H. Howard is the Chief Executive Officer of the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SLVREC) headquartered in Monte Vista, Colorado. SLVREC has provided electric service to portions of seven counties in southwest Colorado located in the San Luis Valley for more than 78 years. SLVREC has 7,500 members, 50 employees and annual revenues of $30,000,000. SLVREC recently created a broadband enterprise, Ciello, Inc. which is building a fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network throughout the San Luis Valley. Ciello provides both gigabit Internet services and VOIP telephone services to the residential and commercial residents of the San Luis Valley. Prior to joining SLVREC in November of 2011, Howard was employed for 25 years by the Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW), Holland, Michigan, a $100 million, 180-employee municipal utility. Howard was the General Manager for his last five years with HBPW. Prior to his selection as General Manager, Howard held various positions with HBPW including Power Resources Director, Sales and Marketing Director and Electric Services & Technology Director. Howard worked for various other organizations throughout his career including Packaging Corporation of America (1982-1987), Century Boat Company (1977-1982) and Colorado Department of Highways (1976-1977). Howard is a graduate of Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a Registered Engineer in Colorado and Michigan. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Western Michigan University and a graduate certificate in Database Management from Grand Valley State University. Howard is an avid rock climber, mountaineer and runner. He enjoys playing the piano, developing software for industrial control systems and rebuilding old Jeeps in his spare time. He and his wife, Karen have two married children with three grandchildren in Westminster, Colorado and triplets in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Loren H. Howard is the Chief Executive Officer of the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SLVREC) headquartered in Monte Vista, Colorado. SLVREC has provided electric service to portions of seven counties in southwest Colorado located in the San Luis Valley for more than 78 years. SLVREC has 7,500 members, 50 employees and annual revenues of $30,000,000. SLVREC recently created a broadband enterprise, Ciello, Inc. which is building a fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network throughout the San Luis Valley. Ciello provides both gigabit Internet services and VOIP telephone services to the residential and commercial residents of the San Luis Valley. Prior to joining SLVREC in November of 2011, Howard was employed for 25 years by the Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW), Holland, Michigan, a $100 million, 180-employee municipal utility. Howard was the General Manager for his last five years with HBPW. Prior to his selection as General Manager, Howard held various positions with HBPW including Power Resources Director, Sales and Marketing Director and Electric Services & Technology Director. Howard worked for various other organizations throughout his career including Packaging Corporation of America (1982-1987), Century Boat Company (1977-1982) and Colorado Department of Highways (1976-1977). Howard is a graduate of Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a Registered Engineer in Colorado and Michigan. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Western Michigan University and a graduate certificate in Database Management from Grand Valley State University. Howard is an avid rock climber, mountaineer and runner. He enjoys playing the piano, developing software for industrial control systems and rebuilding old Jeeps in his spare time. He and his wife, Karen have two married children with three grandchildren in Westminster, Colorado and triplets in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Aimee Hood, Communication Lead Regulatory Team, Monsanto Company
Aimee Hood is the Communication Lead on Monsanto’s Regulatory Team. Her team has responsibility for communicating the safety and benefits of Monsanto’s portfolio of products to a broad range of audiences. She has been with Monsanto for 20 years, with previous roles in Strategy and Operations, Quality Assurance and Manufacturing. She is proud to be a Monsanto employee and loves to share stories about the great work that the company does and counter misinformation that people hear about Monsanto. Aimee holds a B.S. degree in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and 2 sons. Her father worked for Monsanto for 35 and she is excited to be able to continue the legacy of innovation that he inspired.
Aimee Hood is the Communication Lead on Monsanto’s Regulatory Team. Her team has responsibility for communicating the safety and benefits of Monsanto’s portfolio of products to a broad range of audiences. She has been with Monsanto for 20 years, with previous roles in Strategy and Operations, Quality Assurance and Manufacturing. She is proud to be a Monsanto employee and loves to share stories about the great work that the company does and counter misinformation that people hear about Monsanto. Aimee holds a B.S. degree in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and 2 sons. Her father worked for Monsanto for 35 and she is excited to be able to continue the legacy of innovation that he inspired.
Lea Beyer, Consultant
Perspective is the view from your side of the fence based on what was, what could be and a whole lot of attitude. While farm life for Leah Beyer has entailed challenges that would cause most to head to greener pastures, the realities of life on her side of the fence fueled her zeal and resolve and further rooted her family on their Indiana farm.
In addition to her role as a farm wife and mom, Leah has worked with the 4-H program, Indiana Farm Bureau and ag focused consulting agencies. In 2009, she joined the Indiana Soybean Alliance as the livestock director before starting her own consulting business that helped agriculture organizations through the governmental and social media mazes. Today, she continues to work in the agricultural industry for Lilly’s animal health sector, Elanco. In her role as digital communications consultant, she guides the digital and social media strategies for the business and education needs. Her main work revolves around the ENOUGH Movement and helping people learn how innovation, choice and trade will allow us to feed the nine billion people we will have by 2050.
Life on Leah’s side of the fence isn’t what she expected—it’s far better. While the dairy cows are long gone, there are corn, soybeans and a family to tend to. Farmers need a voice in their communities and beyond, and there’s an entire world that ought to know the real story behind their food and fiber. Follow Leah as she shares recipes and tales of life on the farm at beyerbeware.net and farmwifedrinks.com.
Perspective is the view from your side of the fence based on what was, what could be and a whole lot of attitude. While farm life for Leah Beyer has entailed challenges that would cause most to head to greener pastures, the realities of life on her side of the fence fueled her zeal and resolve and further rooted her family on their Indiana farm.
In addition to her role as a farm wife and mom, Leah has worked with the 4-H program, Indiana Farm Bureau and ag focused consulting agencies. In 2009, she joined the Indiana Soybean Alliance as the livestock director before starting her own consulting business that helped agriculture organizations through the governmental and social media mazes. Today, she continues to work in the agricultural industry for Lilly’s animal health sector, Elanco. In her role as digital communications consultant, she guides the digital and social media strategies for the business and education needs. Her main work revolves around the ENOUGH Movement and helping people learn how innovation, choice and trade will allow us to feed the nine billion people we will have by 2050.
Life on Leah’s side of the fence isn’t what she expected—it’s far better. While the dairy cows are long gone, there are corn, soybeans and a family to tend to. Farmers need a voice in their communities and beyond, and there’s an entire world that ought to know the real story behind their food and fiber. Follow Leah as she shares recipes and tales of life on the farm at beyerbeware.net and farmwifedrinks.com.
Quint Redmond, Co-Owner, AgriNETx LLC
Mr. Redmond is co-owner of AgriNETx LLC and Agriburbia LLC. and has more that 20 years of professional experience in design, planning, natural resources, agriculture and spatial technologies. His combined knowledge in each of these disciplines allows him to effectively manage projects that result in innovative designs, technologically advanced data management, and new approaches to sustainable development. Mr. Redmond has a strong multi-faceted agricultural background which plays heavily in his innovative ideas for incorporating agriculture back into our modern communities. He and his wife are the Co-Creators of Agriburbia®.
Mr. Redmond is co-owner of AgriNETx LLC and Agriburbia LLC. and has more that 20 years of professional experience in design, planning, natural resources, agriculture and spatial technologies. His combined knowledge in each of these disciplines allows him to effectively manage projects that result in innovative designs, technologically advanced data management, and new approaches to sustainable development. Mr. Redmond has a strong multi-faceted agricultural background which plays heavily in his innovative ideas for incorporating agriculture back into our modern communities. He and his wife are the Co-Creators of Agriburbia®.
Dr. Pat Byrne, Professor, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University
Dr. Pat Byrne is a professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University, where he teaches and conducts research in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology. His research focuses on the genetics of drought tolerance and bread making quality in wheat, disease resistance in dry beans, and the benefits and risks of genetically engineered crops. Before coming to CSU in 1997, Dr. Byrne worked for USDA-ARS in Columbia, Missouri, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico, the U.S. Agency for International Development in West Africa, and the U.S. Peace Corps in Nepal.
Dr. Pat Byrne is a professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University, where he teaches and conducts research in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology. His research focuses on the genetics of drought tolerance and bread making quality in wheat, disease resistance in dry beans, and the benefits and risks of genetically engineered crops. Before coming to CSU in 1997, Dr. Byrne worked for USDA-ARS in Columbia, Missouri, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico, the U.S. Agency for International Development in West Africa, and the U.S. Peace Corps in Nepal.
Ken Nugent, President and CEO, Global Development Analytics
Ken Nugent is the President and CEO of Global Development Analytics (GDA). Ken and GDA apply the best available technologies and leverage local talent to transform the potential value of big data into realized value in developing areas of the world. Ken comes from a big data background with an emphasis on data correlation in time and location to support real-time decisions. Ken was an Air Force Intelligence officer, leaving the Air Force as a Colonel in 2011.
Ken Nugent is the President and CEO of Global Development Analytics (GDA). Ken and GDA apply the best available technologies and leverage local talent to transform the potential value of big data into realized value in developing areas of the world. Ken comes from a big data background with an emphasis on data correlation in time and location to support real-time decisions. Ken was an Air Force Intelligence officer, leaving the Air Force as a Colonel in 2011.
Tom McKinnon, PhD, CTO, Agribotix
Tom served as a professor of Chemical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines for close to 20 years before founding Inventworks Inc., a rapid prototyping and limited run manufacturing firm, in 2009. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT, has authored dozens of scientific papers, and holds several patents. He leverages his expertise in electromechanics, propulsion, and battery technology into designing and improving Agribotix hardware.
Tom served as a professor of Chemical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines for close to 20 years before founding Inventworks Inc., a rapid prototyping and limited run manufacturing firm, in 2009. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT, has authored dozens of scientific papers, and holds several patents. He leverages his expertise in electromechanics, propulsion, and battery technology into designing and improving Agribotix hardware.
Paul Hoff, COO, Agribotix
Paul Hoff is a technology executive has spent his career getting emerging technologies to market. He is currently COO of Agribotix, a Boulder-based company that delivers agricultural intelligence to increase yields and profits using drone-enabled technologies. Prior to Agribotix, Paul was involved in the formation of 11 companies during his tenure as Director of Technology Transfer for NICTA, an Australian research and development company. He received his MBA from Berkeley. He is an avid skier, runner, father of three, and is happy to call Colorado home.
Paul Hoff is a technology executive has spent his career getting emerging technologies to market. He is currently COO of Agribotix, a Boulder-based company that delivers agricultural intelligence to increase yields and profits using drone-enabled technologies. Prior to Agribotix, Paul was involved in the formation of 11 companies during his tenure as Director of Technology Transfer for NICTA, an Australian research and development company. He received his MBA from Berkeley. He is an avid skier, runner, father of three, and is happy to call Colorado home.
The Bawman Group (Tammy Stratton, vice president; Maggie Spain, vice president; Richelle Moulin, account executive)
Formed in 1996, TBG is among Colorado’s most seasoned and well-rounded integrated marketing communications agencies. The TBG team is extremely adept at creating educational and social marketing campaigns that move people to take action, change perceptions and promote agriculture literacy. Known for our creativity and attention to detail, our team has a breadth of experience working with Colorado agriculture – associations, foundations and organizations – as well as within the health care, education and social service fields.
In 2009 TBG was hired to develop and implement a statewide public awareness and education campaign to raise awareness of the Colorado Egg Producers (CEP) Association – a membership organization representing six egg farms throughout the state. From 2009 forward, TBG has continued to serve as CEP’s marketing and communication team. TBG launched CEP into the world of social media in 2011 and has helped to grow and develop a loyal base of engaged followers on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
CommonGround is a grassroots movement led by volunteer farm women to eliminate misconceptions of how food is produced on American farms. Through conversations about farming and food, these volunteers share their message with the women who buy food for their families. TBG helped launch CommonGround in Colorado in 2012 through targeted media relations, community and blogger outreach. Over the past three years, at least two-dozen bloggers, dietitians, reporters and community leaders have attended the annual CommonGround conversation dinner, promoted by TBG, to learn more about the food they are buying for their families or serving their patients.
Formed in 1996, TBG is among Colorado’s most seasoned and well-rounded integrated marketing communications agencies. The TBG team is extremely adept at creating educational and social marketing campaigns that move people to take action, change perceptions and promote agriculture literacy. Known for our creativity and attention to detail, our team has a breadth of experience working with Colorado agriculture – associations, foundations and organizations – as well as within the health care, education and social service fields.
In 2009 TBG was hired to develop and implement a statewide public awareness and education campaign to raise awareness of the Colorado Egg Producers (CEP) Association – a membership organization representing six egg farms throughout the state. From 2009 forward, TBG has continued to serve as CEP’s marketing and communication team. TBG launched CEP into the world of social media in 2011 and has helped to grow and develop a loyal base of engaged followers on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
CommonGround is a grassroots movement led by volunteer farm women to eliminate misconceptions of how food is produced on American farms. Through conversations about farming and food, these volunteers share their message with the women who buy food for their families. TBG helped launch CommonGround in Colorado in 2012 through targeted media relations, community and blogger outreach. Over the past three years, at least two-dozen bloggers, dietitians, reporters and community leaders have attended the annual CommonGround conversation dinner, promoted by TBG, to learn more about the food they are buying for their families or serving their patients.
Kevin Penny, Rancher, Penny Ranch
Kevin is a 3rd generation farmer and rancher with a family operation located near Burlington, CO called the Penny Ranch. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with an Agriculture Business degree before beginning his career in the family business in 1982. A few years ago his son, Cameron, joined the farming operation after receiving a degree at CSU.
The Penny Ranch grows irrigated and dryland corn, wheat and alfalfa. It also owns and operates a cattle feedlot operation. For the past the past decade, Kevin has been active in the testing, growing and advocating of GMO products used in their farming operation. This has included several presentations he has made at the University of Colo. Boulder.
Kevin has been a director on varies boards and is the president of K.C. Electric Association, a Rural Electric Cooperative, in which he has been a director for 34 years. He and his wife, Jeana, are active in the leadership of their church and a couples ministry.
Kevin is a 3rd generation farmer and rancher with a family operation located near Burlington, CO called the Penny Ranch. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with an Agriculture Business degree before beginning his career in the family business in 1982. A few years ago his son, Cameron, joined the farming operation after receiving a degree at CSU.
The Penny Ranch grows irrigated and dryland corn, wheat and alfalfa. It also owns and operates a cattle feedlot operation. For the past the past decade, Kevin has been active in the testing, growing and advocating of GMO products used in their farming operation. This has included several presentations he has made at the University of Colo. Boulder.
Kevin has been a director on varies boards and is the president of K.C. Electric Association, a Rural Electric Cooperative, in which he has been a director for 34 years. He and his wife, Jeana, are active in the leadership of their church and a couples ministry.
Jennifer Visitacion, Executive Director, Guidestone Colorado
Jennifer Tucker Visitacion, is the Executive Director of Guidestone Colorado, a non-profit organization dedicated to growing the next generation of farmers and ranchers for a vibrant agricultural future through education, community building and partnerships. Based in Chaffee County, Guidestone Colorado serves the communities of the Arkansas River Valley and beyond by providing Farmhands youth and community programs, building the capacity of Farm to School, supporting the development of new agricultural businesses through Colorado Land Link, and operating the Historic Hutchinson Homestead and Learning Center. For more information visitwww.GuidestoneColorado.org.
Jennifer Tucker Visitacion, is the Executive Director of Guidestone Colorado, a non-profit organization dedicated to growing the next generation of farmers and ranchers for a vibrant agricultural future through education, community building and partnerships. Based in Chaffee County, Guidestone Colorado serves the communities of the Arkansas River Valley and beyond by providing Farmhands youth and community programs, building the capacity of Farm to School, supporting the development of new agricultural businesses through Colorado Land Link, and operating the Historic Hutchinson Homestead and Learning Center. For more information visitwww.GuidestoneColorado.org.
Martha Sullins, Ag Business Management Specialist, Colorado State University Extension
Martha Sullins is an Ag Business Management Specialist with Colorado State University Extension, where her areas of emphasis in applied research and outreach include smaller-scale and specialty livestock and crop production businesses, agritourism, local foods, farm transition, on-farm food safety and risk management. She develops and teaches small business management classes, evaluates classroom and field-based educational programs targeted at beginning farmers and ranchers, and develops tools for ag and food producers navigating food safety and business regulations, as well as those starting value-added agricultural enterprises. She also develops and coordinates field-based education in Good Agricultural Practices designed to help fruit and vegetable growers minimize food safety risks within their operations. She serves on the boards of directors for the Colorado Farmers Market Association and Poudre Valley Community Farms, and is on the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association’s food safety committee. Martha has a B.A. in Economics and in French, and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics.
Martha Sullins is an Ag Business Management Specialist with Colorado State University Extension, where her areas of emphasis in applied research and outreach include smaller-scale and specialty livestock and crop production businesses, agritourism, local foods, farm transition, on-farm food safety and risk management. She develops and teaches small business management classes, evaluates classroom and field-based educational programs targeted at beginning farmers and ranchers, and develops tools for ag and food producers navigating food safety and business regulations, as well as those starting value-added agricultural enterprises. She also develops and coordinates field-based education in Good Agricultural Practices designed to help fruit and vegetable growers minimize food safety risks within their operations. She serves on the boards of directors for the Colorado Farmers Market Association and Poudre Valley Community Farms, and is on the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association’s food safety committee. Martha has a B.A. in Economics and in French, and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics.
Beth LaShell, Coordinator of the Old Fort at Hesperus, Fort Lewis College
Beth LaShell, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO. After serving as an instructor in the Agriculture and Biology Department for 17 years teaching a variety of agricultural-based courses including Animal Science, Nutrition, Beef Science, Agricultural Marketing, and Community Based Agriculture, Beth became the Coordinator of the Old Fort at Hesperus in 2010. The Old Fort is an off-campus field station located on the original site of Fort Lewis College. It offers students, faculty and the community an opportunity to conduct research, labs, senior seminars and community events on the 6,300 acre property. Her current research projects include Analyzing Hops Varieties for High Altitude Production, directing the Old Fort Market Garden Incubator program which serves as an alternative entry point for new farmers, providing small farmers with information about Alternative Direct Marketing Methods and High Tunnel Production. She serves as Vice President of the National Steering Committee for Food, Land & People (FLP) working with advocates of agriculture to develop lessons for k-12. FLP is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people of all ages better understand the origins of their food sources, the sustainability of their environment, and how various people use both.
Beth LaShell, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO. After serving as an instructor in the Agriculture and Biology Department for 17 years teaching a variety of agricultural-based courses including Animal Science, Nutrition, Beef Science, Agricultural Marketing, and Community Based Agriculture, Beth became the Coordinator of the Old Fort at Hesperus in 2010. The Old Fort is an off-campus field station located on the original site of Fort Lewis College. It offers students, faculty and the community an opportunity to conduct research, labs, senior seminars and community events on the 6,300 acre property. Her current research projects include Analyzing Hops Varieties for High Altitude Production, directing the Old Fort Market Garden Incubator program which serves as an alternative entry point for new farmers, providing small farmers with information about Alternative Direct Marketing Methods and High Tunnel Production. She serves as Vice President of the National Steering Committee for Food, Land & People (FLP) working with advocates of agriculture to develop lessons for k-12. FLP is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people of all ages better understand the origins of their food sources, the sustainability of their environment, and how various people use both.
Sarah Parmar, Director of Conservation, Colorado Open Lands
Sarah Parmar is Director of Conservation for Colorado Open Lands, a statewide land trust that works to permanently protect working farms and ranches. Sarah guides conservation prioritization, transactions, and partnerships. Sarah’s educational background is in resource economics and she was the sixth generation to be raised on her family’s cow calf operation in Southern Arizona.
Sarah Parmar is Director of Conservation for Colorado Open Lands, a statewide land trust that works to permanently protect working farms and ranches. Sarah guides conservation prioritization, transactions, and partnerships. Sarah’s educational background is in resource economics and she was the sixth generation to be raised on her family’s cow calf operation in Southern Arizona.
Harrison Topp, Director of Membership, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
Harrison Topp is the Director of Membership for the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and an organic orchardist in Paonia, CO. He works with farmers and ranchers to develop legislative, educational, and co-operative solutions to the challenges facing farmers regionally and on a national level. On his own farm, Harrison is working through the sundry issues faced by many first generation growers.
Harrison Topp is the Director of Membership for the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and an organic orchardist in Paonia, CO. He works with farmers and ranchers to develop legislative, educational, and co-operative solutions to the challenges facing farmers regionally and on a national level. On his own farm, Harrison is working through the sundry issues faced by many first generation growers.