What are your new responsibilities?  
In my role as technical services manager for the eastern U.S. and Canada, I am responsible for the technical support of Balchem’s ruminant products throughout these areas. The position involves significant face-to-face time with customers and prospects, timely technical analysis and recommendations, as well as making small and large group presentations.
 
What territory will you cover?  
I cover the eastern U.S. and Canada.
 
Please describe your agricultural background.  
I was raised on a 250-cow Holstein dairy farm in central Maryland and have been involved in the dairy industry throughout my career.
 
What education are you bringing with you to this position?  
I have a B.S. in dairy science from Virginia Tech and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in nutrition from North Carolina State University.
 
What previous positions have you held?  
Throughout the 1990s I was senior dairy nutritionist for Farmland Industries in Kansas City, Missouri, working throughout the Midwest. In 2000, I joined Blue Seal Feeds as senior dairy nutritionist, working in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. I joined Balchem Corp. in December.
 
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?  
Besides my parents and grandfather, the biggest influences on my career have been Dr. Bob James at Virginia Tech, Dr. Allen Rakes and Dr. Lon Whitlow at North Carolina State, and Dr. Charlie Dexheimer at Farmland Industries.
 
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?  
With my 22-plus years of dairy industry experience, I will help our customers improve the profitability of their operations by providing research-based products and solutions to meet the specific needs of their operations.   
 
Why did you choose this company?  
I chose to work for Balchem for numerous reasons including the great reputation of the company, their high level of integrity, and their continued commitment to research to develop new and innovative products.
 
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?  
My goals are to continue to educate nutritionists and dairy producers about the products and solutions that the company has to offer. I also look forward to introducing new, innovative products to the industry in the coming years.  PD