Executive Staff

Mark “Coach” Smallwood, Executive Director
Mark’s professional experience has been dedicated to environmental sustainability and organic farming. Previously, he served as the Mid-Atlantic Green Mission Specialist and Local Forager at Whole Foods, where he was a 2010 National Award Winner for "Best Whole Foods Market Spokesperson." Mark's career has also included the following roles: founder of an organic lawn care company, messenger for Al Gore's Climate Project, school teacher and basketball coach. Last, but certainly not least, as a long-time organic farmer and biodynamic gardener, Mark has raised chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, and driven a team of oxen. Given his array of experiences, Coach is uniquely suited to lead the Rodale Institute.

Jeff Moyer, Director of Farm Operations
Jeff Moyer is an expert in organic crop production systems including weed management, cover crops, crop rotations, equipment modification and use, and facilities design. He has helped countless farmers make the transition from conventional, chemical-based farming to organic or sustainable methods. Throughout his more than 30 years at the Rodale Institute, Moyer has brought a farmer’s perspective and approach to issues in organic agriculture. He is a past chair of the National Organic Standards Board, which assists the USDA Secretary of Agriculture in developing standards for materials to be used in organic production as well as advising on other aspects of implementing the National Organic Program. He is also a member of the Leonardo Academy’s committee on sustainability, and a founding board member of Pennsylvania Certified Organic.

Dr. Elaine Ingham is a world-renowned soil microbiologist who continues to study the microbial life of the soil, which in large part explains why organic “works.”  Elaine founded Soil Foodweb, Inc. in 1996, helping farmers all over the world to grow more resilient crops by understanding and improving their soil life. She is also an affiliate professor at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa and has served in academia for three decades.

Elaine started her academic career at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN graduating in 1974 with a double major, cum laude, in Biology and Chemistry. Elaine earned her Master of Science in Microbiology in 1977 at Texas A & M University and her doctorate degree in soil microbiology from Colorado State University in 1981, after which she worked as a Post-doctoral Fellowship at the Natural Resource Ecology Lab at Colorado State University. In 1985, Elaine accepted a Research Associate Fellowship at the University of Georgia. In 1986, Elaine joined the faculty at Oregon State University, with a split appointment in Forest Science and Botany and Plant Pathology, until 2001, when her work with Soil Foodweb Inc. required her to focus on the world-wide network that was developing.  In January of 2011, Dr. Ingham joined Rodale Institute as Chief Scientist. 

Megan Kintzer, Director of Development

Megan manages the Development efforts at the Rodale Institute. She has worked in Development for over eight years and has experience with annual giving, grant writing, major gifts and sponsorship. Megan holds a B.A. in English from Lafayette College and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Kim Schroeder, Director of Facilities
Kim manages the repairs, improvements and grounds-keeping at the Institute. She also administratively supports our CEO, farm director and accounting department and ensures behind-the-scenes mechanics are running smoothly for our on-farm events and field days. Kim has worn many hats over the course of her 15 year tenure, starting as a temporary receptionist after leaving the banking industry and multi-tasking her way into a permanent place as a full-time member of the staff. She instantly fell in love with the farm, and continues to feel she is doing her part in making the world a better and healthier place to live by forwarding the mission of the Institute.