Staff

Email: dkobus@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 220

Diana joined the PCO team as Executive Director in June 2020. She comes to PCO with over a decade of non-profit leadership in certification of individuals in the environmental and public health professions. Diana has a Masters in Environmental Science and Management with a focus in Organic Agriculture and was the Executive Director of the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP) for the past twelve years, following five years working for Whole Foods Markets in the mid-2000s at various locations around the country. She brings extensive leadership experience along with a passion for organic production and the critical impact it has on climate and the environment. In her spare time, Diana enjoys cooking, music, gardening, and providing a home for many generations of houseplants.

Email: diana@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 215

Diana Underwood joined the PCO team as Director of Operations in Fall of 2012. She is a multidisciplinary thought leader with experience in overseeing finance, operations, board relations, alongside human resources, technology, quality and risk management. In her role at PCO, she leads PCO's Finance and Administrative functions and serves as a member of the PCO Leadership Team. With close to 20 years of business management experience and the last 10 years in organic certification, she is passionate about collaborating with teams to support mission-driven work. In addition to leading business operations, Diana has experience launching DEI initiatives, implementing organizational core values, and overseeing new technology platforms. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading (can you join too many book clubs?), collecting houseplants, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband and their two dogs.

Email: epenn@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 123

Edy joined the PCO team as the HR Director in July 2024. With over two decades in the People space, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise in all things HR. Edy holds a J.D. and a B.A. both from Temple University. In her spare time, Edy is a fierce community advocate, a mom, and a budding author.

Email: agarber@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 205

Alison is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and grew up exploring the farmland surrounding her family’s home. She graduated from Chatham University with a B.A. in art history but after graduation, she found that her real passion was rooted in the organic product industry. Before joining PCO in 2022, she spent sixteen years working for Whole Foods Market where she strengthened her knowledge and commitment to preserving the integrity of our food systems. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her partner and dog, Samwise as they wild forage for food and medicines around their home in Western Pennsylvania.

Email: wbrudon@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 120

Hi, I'm Wren. I'm from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. I went to Pratt Institute in NYC for my Associate's degree and am working towards my Bachelor's. I enjoy drawing, writing, and reading in my free time. I'm an avid animal fan and have two ringneck doves and a dog. I started working at PCO as a temp doing data entry, then transitioned into more administrative duties at the brick-and-mortar office, and now I'm officially a part of the PCO staff!

Email: elizabeth@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 217

Elizabeth joined PCO in 2014 as a staff accountant and has since advanced to the role of Deputy Finance Director. A proud Penn State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, she’s also a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Elizabeth calls Central PA home, where she lives with her husband Matt and their adventurous kids, Blake and Bridger.

Beyond the numbers, Elizabeth finds joy in creating lasting memories with her loved ones, jet-setting to new destinations, and immersing herself in the great outdoors. Whether it's embarking on a family hike or basking in the sun at a serene beach, she's always eager for the next thrilling escapade!

Email: shawnee@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 218

Shawnee joined the PCO Team as a Staff Accountant in November of 2016. Shawnee was born and raised in Pleasant Gap, PA, and currently resides in Clarence with her husband, Andy. Shawnee received her degree in Accounting from South Hills School of Business and Technology. Shawnee enjoys traveling the Caribbean with her husband, spending time with family and friends, riding her motorcycle, and going for walks in the mountain with her dogs, Nyla and Zara.

Email: jcasteel@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 125

Jana was born and raised in the small, rural west Texas town of Seymour (pop. 3,500), where we spent our time riding our bikes along country roads for miles, swimming anywhere there was a body of water, playing pickup games of basketball in the high school gym as often as we could, roller skating in the church gymnasium every Saturday afternoon, and watching movies at the local drive-in movie theater.

Jana currently resides in Tontitown, Arkansas, with her Shih Tzu (Gypsy). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. She has worked in healthcare finance in various capacities for 23+ years.

Her passions are spending time with her family and friends, traveling to warm and sunny places, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks in any and all things. Woo Pig Sooie!

Email: craig@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 219

Craig joined PCO in January 2018 as a Certification Specialist. Prior to joining PCO, Craig was a farm inspector for PCO and Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. He is the 2017 recipient of the International Organic Inspectors Association Andrew Rutherford Scholarship. Originally from Indiana, Craig spent 12 years living in Asheville, North Carolina where he worked on a Boer goat farm and for Organic Pharmacy & Wild Earth Market. In 2011 Craig married and moved to Penns Valley, where he and his wife live with their two children and dog. In his free time he enjoys fly fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family.

Email: sbrown@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 286

Sarah joined the PCO team as Certification Director in March 2023. She comes to PCO with two decades of experience in organic and a passion to build connection between people, our Earth, and even each other. Over the past 15 years she’s established her own certified organic farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley; developed Oregon Tilth’s education and advocacy into a nationally recognized program; launched DEI initiates and workshops to build awareness in the sector; and most recently served as Head of Stakeholder Strategy for Organically Grown Co, leading their social impact and sustainability efforts. She’s especially excited to join PCO’s leadership team during a time of unprecedented support for organic and hopes to further enhance certification services with education, continue JEDI integration, and infuse our work with joy and care. In her spare time she is restored and inspired by time spent in nature’s wild spaces, laughing with her kids, singing in community, or deep within a good novel. Ask her about her farm cat ‘problem’!

Email: cwesh@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 253

Corinne joined PCO in 2021. Originally from southern NJ, she now lives on a farm in Maine with her family where they produce organic seed from native and perennial plants. She holds a BFA from the University of Pennsylvania, and has worn may professional hats, including bicycle mechanic and organic inspector. Most recently, she worked in organic compliance and quality systems. In her free time, she enjoys camping, coffee, kayaking, and kestrels.

Email: aroggenbuck@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 281

Abbey joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in October 2021. Abbey grew up in Michigan spending evenings, weekends and summers working on her dad's organic farm. She earned a Bachelor’s in Public Policy and Environmental Studies from the University of Michigan and a Master’s in Environmental and Geographical Sciences from the University of Cape Town. Abbey now lives with her partner, Moeti, and her cat, Moo, in South Florida and enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking, and baking.

Email: draidel@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 263

Dara joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in June 2020. Dara is originally from Columbus, Ohio and grew up spending weekends on her dad's conventional farm where she learned about running tractors and growing quality forage crops. She earned a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences from Cornell University and after graduation spent 5 years working on a four-season organic vegetable farm just outside of her hometown. Dara and her husband Luke are dedicated members of their church community and enjoy spending time with friends and family, visiting national parks, and working in the garden.

Email: jdownton@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 264

Jordon joined PCO in June of 2021 as a Certification Specialist. Jordon was an Organic Certification Inspector for PCO, NOFA-NY, MOSA, and OEFFA before joining the PCO team. Residing in Starrucca, PA his entire life, Jordon has worked on his family’s dairy farm which has been certified organic since 2007. In his free time, Jordon enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and just being outdoors enjoying nature.

Email: arestaino@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 282

Alex joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in October 2021. Alex worked as an organic farm inspector traveling up and down the east coast since spring 2018. Prior to inspecting, Alex worked as a farm manager for an organic CSA produce and poultry operation in Northern VA.He has a B.A. in Finance and Marketing from Baldwin Wallace University. In his spare time, Alex enjoys soccer, camping, hiking, fly fishing, and exploring nature with friends and family.

Email: creilly@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 283

Caitlan joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in October 2021. Caitlan grew up in Binghamton, NY and has also spent time living in New York City. She graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies and earned a MS in International Transportation Management from SUNY Maritime College. Prior to PCO, Caitlan has worked as a certification coordinator for NOFA-NY and in the international dry bulk shipping industry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, fishing, bird watching and skiing.

Email: ccolley@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 267

• Independent contract inspector for PCO since 2018 inspecting processing and handling operations.

• Previously worked in a food manufacturing facility in the quality and regulatory departments.

• BS in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh.

• Enjoys hiking, cooking and making quilts.

Email: grovegno@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 265

Gabrielle joined PCO in June 2021. She grew up in Queens, NY and learned where her food came from through urban agriculture initiatives. Gabrielle studied Soil Science at University of Maryland and has an MS in Agriculture Education and Extension. She’s worked primarily with immigrant and refugee farming communities as well as beginning farmers in urban and periurban areas.

Gabrielle is a competitive whitewater paddler and enjoys spending time in her garden and fiber arts.

Email: hmcgilvary@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 255

Hannah joined PCO as a Certification Specialist in April 2022. Originally from the suburbs of Milwaukee, WI, Hannah relocated to the Driftless Region of Wisconsin in 2018, where she currently resides. Before joining PCO, Hannah worked with Natures International Certification Services (NICS) as a Client Relationship Officer. When Hannah isn’t working, you can find her spending most of her time on the Mississippi River kayaking and fishing. On the off chance, she isn’t on the river, you can find Hannah reading her favorite book, tending to her plants (both indoor and outdoor), or enjoying the outdoors.

Email: jrocco@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 117

Jenny has been an IOIA organic inspector since 2006, mainly working in the mid-Atlantic and mid-west areas. She has enjoyed working on projects such as OSP development and several ACA working groups. A native of northern Ohio, she attended The Ohio State University earning a BS in horticulture. Along with her husband Courtland she operates their certified organic farm- BlueLoon Farm-raising Jersey dairy cows, Tunis sheep and a variety of heritage breed chickens. Hobbies include chasing her sheep out of the herb garden and fixing fences as well as collecting rescue dogs.

Email: lsaunders@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 266

Lou joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in July 2021. They previously worked for three years as the Materials Specialist at the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. Lou currently lives in Central Ohio and spends their off-time exploring the Ohio wilderness.

Email: mnagy@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 113

McLane joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in July 2023. She is originally from southern Ohio where she grew up on the small family farm. Prior to working for PCO McLane was a Certification Specialist at the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association and managed a CSA vegetable farm in Galena, Ohio for four years. McLane is often working in her own garden or in her art studio where she focuses on fiber arts.

Email: skabicek@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 121

Shakita joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in August 2024. She graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a B.S. in both Biology and Environmental Science. Prior to PCO she was a summer fellow at Shepherd's Corner Ecology Center and then worked for five years as a Certification Specialist with the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. In her free time she enjoys birding, running, reading, and learning random facts about anything and everything!

Email: tnestico@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 272

Tanay began working for PCO as an Organic Inspector in 2019 and joined the team as a Certification Specialist in January of 2023. Prior to joining PCO she worked for two years as a Certification Specialist with Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. In her free time she enjoys hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and showing her kids the wonders of nature.

Email: nstoner@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 280

Nancy has a diverse administration and project management background, both in the public sector and private construction industry. She grew up on what was her Grandparents farm in the heart of the Hudson Valley. After receiving a Masters in Public Administration from Marist College, she moved to Pennsylvania. Nancy currently splits her time between Central PA and Southeastern Georgia with her husband. When not traveling, she spends her time hiking, reading and gardening.

Email: wcollins@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 126

Wade holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota. As a student, he spent two field seasons in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, excavating its Hieroglyphic Stairway while a member of the Copan Mosaics Project. He has (unintentionally) swum with sharks, and can be seen acting, as an extra, alongside Nichols Cage in ‘The Weather Man’. Before joining PCO, Wade worked for four years at OMRI as a Product Review Coordinator. He and his family currently live in Minnesota, where they share a house with their rescued pets.

Email: lwies@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 122

Over the past twenty years, Laura has been dedicated to promoting sustainable food and farming practices. Her experience includes roles such as Education Director at OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association), Preservation Farmer with Seed Savers Exchange in Iowa, and manager of the farm business incubator for the Lansing Michigan Food Bank. With a decade-long background in organic inspections, she is deeply committed to upholding integrity, quality, and inclusion in the organic and sustainable food movement. For the past seven years, she has been managing inspections and overseeing inspectors at CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). Beyond work, she finds joy in gardening, tending to her chickens, and collaborating with her local land preservation group on biodiversity and conservation efforts in Columbus, Ohio.

Email: bgross@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 118

Brenda is originally from Bloomsburg, PA. She moved to upstate NY in 2018. Brenda has been a full time organic inspector since 2018. She and her husband own a certified organic produce and hay farm. In addition, they raise beef cattle and pigs on their 120 acre farm. Brenda enjoys evening UTV rides, kayaking and working in the garden.

Email: lblahato@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 271

Lee joined PCO in 2022. She is originally from San Francisco, CA, but has lived in Alberta, Utah, Colorado, and Florida before settling in the beautiful state of Idaho as home. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, and is currently pursuing a masters program in Environmental Science. She spent 8 years working for parks departments across the country and, prior to joining PCO, worked for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture in organic inspections and certification. She is curious and passionate about science and, in particular, where nature and agriculture meet - organics! In her free time, she enjoys a wide range of hobbies including gardening, fishkeeping, playing a wide array of instruments, and spending time with her husband, dog, cats, and ferret.

Email: cathy@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 261

Cathy joined PCO in 2016. As Quality Deputy Director, she oversees PCO’s Quality Team which is responsible for PCO's accreditations, investigations, internal training and quality systems, database management, and material review program. During her tenure at PCO, she has also worked as a Certification Program Manager overseeing PCO's review team, Certification Program Assistant Manager for the Handling team, and Certification Specialist for all scopes of organic certification. She previously worked as a Certification Specialist and Organic Inspector for the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. Prior to working in certification, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Ohio University and an associate’s degree in Eco-Tourism and Adventure Travel from Hocking College. She has several years of experience working on organic produce farms and enjoys all things outdoors in her free time.

Email: gayres@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 256

Gwen joined PCO in 2022. She started working in organic agriculture in 2002 and has spent her career intertwining organic production and natural resources with education. Prior to PCO, Gwen spent six years working for the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture, most recently as the Organic Program Manager. She has also spent several years working for the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), several seasons with U.S. federal land management agencies doing conservation work, and a few years leading international study abroad trips. Her great passions are backpacking, cross-country skiing, organic gardening, and international travel where she has been able to work and learn on a variety of organic farms on five separate continents!

Email: kyla@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 216

Kyla Smith has worked with PCO since 2003 in many roles including Organic Inspector, Certification Specialist, Policy Director, Certification Director, and now as Certification Policy Advisor. In her current role, Kyla is responsible for performing certification policy analysis and development, compliance, and program training. Kyla also serves as the certifier representative on the National Organic Standards Board. Kyla received her Masters degree in Transformative Leadership and Social Change from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) in Laurel, Maryland. She is also an Environmental Leadership Program Fellow and graduate of the Leadership Centre County program. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, fishing, gardening, boating and most importantly spending time with her husband Ben and their two beautiful little girls, Stella Rae and Hazel Johna!!

Email: nlehrman@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 285

Nathan joined PCO in 2022. He is originally from Central Washington, where he spent his summers working in various agriculture positions, including for crop consulting companies. He holds a B.A. and M.S. in Biology from Central Washington University. His Master Thesis was a collaborative research project, with USDA ARS, on the apple maggot. While working on his Master’s degree, he conducted research at a USDA lab on various tree fruit pest insects. He spent the last ~7 ½ years at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. First working in the Division of Plant Industries, and was then the Organic Program Specialist since 2018, where he was involved with every facet of organic certification. He is an avid gardener, including seed saving, and always looks for odd fruits and vegetables to grow. He also enjoys hiking, playing piano, collecting insects, and spending time outdoors with his wife and two children.

Email: april@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251, ext. 252

April grew up in the small town of Emmaus, Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with an Environmental Studies degree in 2002, April spent the next few years apprenticing on diversified family farms in Vermont, Virginia, and Massachusetts, coming to love many facets of farming from maple sugaring and making herbal preparations to weeding long rows of veggies and collecting eggs. April is passionate about organic food and farming and is thankful for her small role in the movement from PCO staff member and organic CSA supporter to committed organic mama. April lives in Lehigh County with her two lovely daughters, Tessa and Althea. When April isn’t busy working for PCO, you may find her country-road bike riding, reading, or planting flowers!

Email: ldurand@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 116

Leilani joined the PCO team as the TOPP Program Director in June,
2023. Leilani grew up on an organic farm in southwestern Wisconsin and
has over 18 years’ experience in biological and organic farming. She is
the former Vice President of Research and Development at Midwestern
BioAg where she developed and tested new fertilizers, conducted
consultant and farmer trainings on biological farming practices, and
consulted on soil health and fertility on organic and transitioning
farms. Leilani has authored numerous articles and co-wrote a biological
farming book together with her father, Gary Zimmer. Leilani has a
master’s degree in Plant Ecophysiology from the University of Hawaii at
Manoa, and started her career as a natural resources manager in Hawaii.
In her spare time, she enjoys cycling in the beautiful Wisconsin hills,
hiking with her family, and watching her children perform music.

Email: wfrueh@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 119

Wren Frueh joined PCO in 2023 as the TOPP Mentorship Program Coordinator. They grew
up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where they still live today.
Wren graduated from Grinnell College with a BA in Agriculture and
Sustainable Development. As a senior capstone, they conducted an
ethnography of farmers in central Iowa and their relationships to local
food. They also had the opportunity to travel the world and learn from
sustainability activists and smallholder farmers in Ecuador, Malawi, and
Italy. Before PCO, Wren worked for a land trust dedicated to protecting
the natural and working landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley and helped
protect over 2000 acres of Virginia farmland.
Wren loves being able to call the Blue Ridge Mountains home and loves
exploring Shenandoah National Park, enjoying local live music, and
cooking for friends and family.

Email: msaska@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251, ext. 273

Maggie joined PCO in January of 2023 and comes with a diverse background in agriculture. She holds a B.S. in horticulture and M.S. in plant science both from the University of Connecticut. Prior to PCO she most recently held positions as operations manager at a certified organic greenhouse and in field vegetable production. Her experience has deep roots, beginning young with her first summer job working on an organic small fruit farm as a summer harvester and selling at farmers markets. Maggie’s love of botany and plant production extends to outreach work, and teaching college level organic agriculture courses. When not working Maggie can be found with her daughter, two dogs and partner outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania.