Staff

Email: csolt@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Chris Solt is a mission-driven leader with over two decades of experience in the fair trade, cooperative, and sustainable agriculture sectors. His career has focused on building ethical, transparent systems that support farmers, producers, and workers through values-based verification and alternative economic models rooted in restorative justice.

Chris most recently served as Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), a North American network of fully committed fair trade businesses. In this role, he led the strategic, administrative, and programmatic direction of the organization, helping strengthen the fair trade movement and supporting member enterprises across the U.S. and Canada.

Prior to joining the FTF in 2016, Chris spent a decade with Ten Thousand Villages US, where he held a range of leadership roles, including Regional Director, Training Manager, and Director of Training and Development. His work focused on sales training, capacity building, and board development to enhance the impact of one of the oldest fair trade organizations in North America.

Since 2019, Chris has served on the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Global Board of Directors as the Pacific Region Representative. He was re-elected to a second term in 2024 and elected Vice President of the global board, contributing to international efforts to advance inclusive and sustainable economies.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Science from Cleveland State University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, along with a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources, from Southern New Hampshire University.

Chris's passion for alternative, justice-rooted economies began during a 1998 trip through Canada, where he was first introduced to Ten Thousand Villages. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to fair trade and cooperative values, which continues to shape his leadership philosophy today.

Outside of work, Chris is a lifelong musician and multi-instrumentalist. He enjoys tennis, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Rebekah, and their dog, Teddy. Now based in Pennsylvania, Chris is thrilled to join the PCO team and community. He brings with him a strong alignment with PCO’s mission and looks forward to advancing the organization’s work in support of organic integrity, resilient food systems, and thriving farm communities.

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

Diana Underwood serves as Director of Operations at PCO, where she leads the organization's finance and administrative functions. She holds a B.S. in Business Management with a Finance concentration and brings more than 20 years of business management experience spanning financial management, risk management, technology, and organizational development, with more than a decade focused in organic certification. She is passionate about partnering with teams across the organization, building the operational foundation that enables PCO's mission to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, tending to her houseplant collection, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their two dogs.

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

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

Alison Garber grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where her early connection to farmland sparked a lasting interest in food systems. Before joining PCO in 2022, she spent sixteen years with Whole Foods Market, gaining extensive experience in communications, marketing, and organizational leadership. As PCO’s Communications Manager, Alison leads efforts to strengthen the organization’s voice, expand its reach, and support meaningful connections with members and stakeholders. She lives in Western Pennsylvania, where she enjoys foraging with her partner and their dog, Samwise.

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

Wren joined PCO in March 2024 temporarily to assist with the Annual Update process, but stepped into the Administrative Coordinator role in December 2024, and now supports many departments. She graduated from Pratt Institute in 2023, and channels that artistic background into creative solutions for team and administrative support.

She loves animals, the environment, and people, and strives to contribute to the organic world to heal the planet and ensure a healthy future for everyone.

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

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

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, Bria and Rayna.

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

Jana serves as Accounting and Grants Manager at PCO, where she primarily provides grants management support for a cooperative agreement between PCO and USDA for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), as well as support to PCO’s accounting team. She has over 25 years of accounting and research administration experience, supported by a master’s degree in health services administration. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with family.

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

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: cwesh@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: nstoner@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: meven@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Megha Shah Even serves as an Investigation Specialist at PCO, where she works to ensure compliance of organic producers and processors with the USDA organic standards. She brings a strong scientific background and a personal interest in sustainable agriculture, supported by over 10 years of professional experience working in the organic sector. Outside of work, Megha enjoys making art, reading, biking, and international travel.

Email: pine@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Carley Jordana joined PCO in 2025 as a Certification Program Manager. In her role, she manages a team of Certification Specialists, supports clients through complex certification and compliance matters, and advocates for policy and procedural improvements that enhance both the client experience and the effectiveness of PCO’s certification programs.

Before joining PCO, Carley spent more than three years working in organic certification, with a focus on crop certification. She earned a Master of Science in Horticultural Sciences from the University of Florida, where her thesis research examined the effects of grafting on organically grown watermelon fruit yield and quality.

Outside of work, Carley enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with family, and exploring Oregon's trails, beaches, and cities.

Email: pine@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Kayti is a Pacific Northwest native who is passionate about the intersections of nutrition, equity, and sustainable food systems. She holds a BS in Integrative Health from Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and brings varied experience to the role, having previously served as an inspections coordinator, managing Mexican inspection programs and working in certification operations within a dual-language team.

Outside of work, Kayti is a fan of all things cozy. She can usually be found with a coffee in hand, baking something fresh, or getting lost in a cozy mystery series. On sunny days, she enjoys getting outside to look for birds and blooms.

Email: pine@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: pine@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Alexis has been an organic inspector since 2020, conducting inspections across Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Based in Northeast Ohio, she co-operates her family’s certified organic farm—raising cereal grains, chickens, and goats—and runs a small on-site flour mill. Each week, Alexis participates in farmers markets, where she loves talking about local food systems and supporting the growers and producers who make them possible.

Outside of work, she loves ALL dogs, swimming, kayaking, and trying new foods.

Email: pine@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Christie joined PCO in 2025 as a Certification Specialist. Prior to joining PCO, she worked as an organic inspector for the past ten years, as well as an NOSB Specialist with the National Organic Coalition for eight of those years. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, preserving food, reading, camping, boating, and hanging out with her husband, son, family, and dogs. Christie is a member of the Evangelical Friends Church and strives to share Christ's love in all that she does. She was born and raised in Pennsylvania.

Email: pine@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Emily has over five years of experience in organic agriculture, including four years as an organic certification reviewer and nearly two years supporting the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. Prior to her work in organic certification, she gained experience in agricultural research and most recently managed the food safety program for a leafy greens farm. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation, with a minor in Organic and Sustainable Crop Production, and her Master’s degree in Agroecology from the University of Florida.

Originally from Florida, Emily now resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, reading, and baking.

Email: pine@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Lindsay serves as a Certification Specialist at PCO, where she works closely with organic operators to guide them through the certification process and ensure compliance with USDA organic standards. She brings a strong background in sustainable agriculture, supported by a B.S. degree focused in organic and sustainable crop production and hands-on experience working with cattle farms. Lindsay is especially passionate about building strong relationships with clients and establishing consistency and collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and teaching yoga.

Email: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Matt grew up in San Diego, CA where he enjoys the perfect weather, beautiful beaches and the best Mexican food. He started his organic career at QAI and developed his passion for organics working in multiple positions. After more than a decade at QAI, Matt moved to OTCO as a Senior Certification Officer and was promoted to the role of Team Supervisor. After another decade at OTCO, Matt’s dedication to organics eventually led him to PCO in 2025, where he started as the Certification Program Manager for the Cedar Team.

When I am not at work, you can find me spending time with my family and appreciating the outdoors. I enjoy snorkeling at the beach, mountain biking in the canyons, camping/fishing in the mountains, exploring the deserts, and maintaining my backyard “salsa garden”.

Email: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Wren Frueh joined PCO in 2023. 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: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Gail joined PCO in 2025 as a Certification Specialist, bringing a decade of experience in certification and inspecting with two other certifiers. Gail enjoys working with clients across all certification scopes and production types and especially values the foundational tenets of organic certification: process and continuous improvement.

Gail grew up gardening and preserving food with her grandmother, a Colorado rancher, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Soil and Crop Science with a concentration in Organic Agriculture from Colorado State University. Her passion for food, justice, people, and entrepreneurship has taken her across the US, Canada, Central America, and Europe, where she came to value localized solutions, dirty nails, and the deep sleep that follows a day of fresh air and hard work.

When not at work, Gail can be found outside enjoying the beauty and abundance of her Southwest Wisconsin home.

Email: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: 814-422-0251

Email: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Rebekah joined PCO in 2025 as a Certification Reviewer. Her background includes regulatory compliance, farm work, and technical review. Her professional commitment is to cultivate an ethical, resilient food system.

Email: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Rose joined the PCO team as a Certification Specialist in May 2025. She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in Animal Science and a Minor in Poultry Management. Prior to working at PCO, Rose was a Certification Officer at OTCO and worked in the nut processing industry as a Food Safety Supervisor. Based in Northern California, Rose enjoys exploring the area with her husband and their dog.

Email: cedar@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: oak@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: oak@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: oak@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

Sophie is a certification specialist at PCO, where she works closely with organic farmers to attain and maintain their certification through the annual cycle. She joined the PCO team in May of 2025. Prior to joining PCO, she worked for another certifier in an administrative role.

Sophie holds a certificate in horticulture and has worked as a farm hand on organic vegetable farms across Pennsylvania and Montana, where she currently resides. She thinks farmers are some of the best people in the world and is honored to be able to connect and work alongside them.

Sophie enjoys living seasonally. She gardens, backpacks, and floats the river in the summer and turns to pottery and curling (the world's silliest sport) in the winter.

Email: oak@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

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: lwies@paorganic.org
Phone: (814) 422-0251

As Inspection Deputy Director at PCO, Laura oversees inspection operations, which helps ensure the consistency, quality, and integrity of the organic certification process. With more than twenty years of experience in sustainable agriculture, Laura brings extensive expertise in inspections, agricultural education, and program management. Professional experience includes serving as Education Director at Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), Preservation Farmer with Seed Savers Exchange in Iowa, and manager of the farm business incubator for the Lansing Michigan Food Bank.

Prior to joining PCO, Laura managed inspections and inspectors at California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) for seven years. Laura is committed to advancing quality, inclusion, and trust within the organic and sustainable food movement. Outside of work, interests include gardening, caring for chickens, and supporting biodiversity and conservation efforts through local land preservation and advocacy groups.

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

Lee Blahato serves as an Inspection Program Coordinator at PCO, where she supports inspectors across the country by coordinating inspection activities, developing training resources, and building systems that help maintain the integrity of organic certification. With more than seven years of experience in organic certification and sustainable agriculture, Lee enjoys helping inspectors succeed while making complex processes more accessible and efficient.

Lee holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Idaho and is an Idaho Master Gardener. She also serves on the board of the Regenerative Agriculture Network of Idaho and works as a Salmon-Safe assessor, supporting agricultural systems that protect water quality and ecosystem health.

Outside of work, Lee enjoys gardening, caring for community cats, exploring a variety of fiber arts and crafts, and building combat robots.

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

Cathy joined Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) in 2016 and serves as Quality Deputy Director. She leads PCO’s Quality Team, overseeing accreditation, investigations, internal training, quality systems, database management, and the materials review program. Her work supports the integrity and consistency of PCO’s certification activities.

Prior to her current role, Cathy served in several certification positions at PCO and also worked as a Certification Specialist at the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Ohio University and an associate’s degree in Eco-Tourism and Adventure Travel from Hocking College.

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

Gwen serves as the Quality & Materials Manager at PCO, where she oversees the input material review program and supports regulatory compliance, process integrity, and continuous improvement as part of the Quality Team. She began her career in sustainable agriculture in 2002 and has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of organic compliance, natural resource conservation, and education. Prior to joining PCO, Gwen served as Organic Program Manager for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, where she participated in all aspects of organic certification. She also spent several years with the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), gaining extensive experience in material review and organic standards. Gwen is passionate about supporting organic integrity and practical compliance solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys backpacking, cross-country skiing, organic gardening, and international travel.

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

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

Nathan joined PCO in 2022 as an Inspection Program Coordinator and now serves as the Quality Specialist. He currently manages PCO’s internal databases, supports staff in using these systems, and contributes to projects led by the Quality Team and other departments. Previously, he spent seven and a half years with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), including four years working in ISDA's Organic Program. Nathan is a qualified organic inspector and reviewer across all scopes and will occasionally conduct inspections for PCO.

In his free time, he is an avid gardener who enjoys spending time outdoors

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

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

Leilani Durand is Program Director for the USDA TOPP program at PCO (the Transition to Organic Partnership Program), supporting farmers in the Northeast/MidAtlantic region who are interested in transitioning to organic or in learning more about organic production and markets. Leilani grew up on an organic farm in southwestern Wisconsin and has over 20 years’ experience in biological and organic farming. She has a background in sustainable and organic soil fertility and cropping systems, and fertilizer research. Leilani has a master’s degree in Plant Ecophysiology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is passionate about supporting resilient ecosystems and farming systems. In her free time, she enjoys cycling in the beautiful Wisconsin hills and hiking with her family.

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

Maggie joined PCO with a strong background in crop production after years working hands-on in the organic industry. In her role as Education and Outreach Specialist for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), Maggie develops programming and resources for operations transitioning to organic. Maggie is passionate about demystifying organic and clarifying the certification process to newcomer operations. Maggie holds a B.S. in Horticulture and a M.S. in Plant Science. In her free time, she enjoys time with family and in the outdoors.