New Dean’s Leadership Council to help guide future in the College of Ag Sciences

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — 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 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.

Dean’s Leadership Council members, who are appointed to three-year terms, are as follows:

Dan Azzara, of State College, 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, of Port Royal, is the owner of Versant Strategies, a governmental relations firm focused on agricultural, environmental and rural issues.

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

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

Jeff Conrad, of Boston, Massachusetts, 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, of Bozeman, Montana, 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, of Pittsburgh, is co-founder and president of Eichenlaub Inc., a premier design-build landscape construction firm.

Sharon Fenchak, of Arden, North Carolina, serves as Biltmore Estate Winery’s executive winemaker.

Abe Harpster, of Spruce Creek, 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, of Norwalk, Connecticut, serves as president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts.

Keith Masser, of Sacramento, Pennsylvania, is chairman and chief operating officer of Sterman Masser Inc., a family-owned, 6,000-acre potato operation. Masser is a former chair of the Penn State Board of Trustees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about the council and to view members’ full biographies, visit the Dean's Leadership Council webpage.