Pennsylvania Mentors

Walter Albarran, District Conservationist in Adams County began his career with NRCS in March of 2000.  He is a native of Puerto Rico, where he studied Horticulture at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.  Walter worked as a Soil Conservation Trainee in Kittanning and as a Soil Conservationist in York before assuming his current position in Gettysburg.  Walter is bilingual in English-Spanish and is member of Toastmasters International.  He enjoys sports including volleyball, swimming, and martial arts. 

Eric Ashley, Civil Engineering Technician, has worked in the Lebanon Technical Center since 2001.  He previously worked for the Lancaster County Conservation District for eleven years and is a poultry farmer. He attended Hempfield High School in Landisville and majored in biology at Houghton College in Houghton, New York. Eric’s hobbies include sports, especially soccer. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and hiking, and is a Sunday school teacher for sixth grade students. He is also the father of two daughters.

 

Donald Bowers, District Conservationist in the Indiana Field Office has been a NRCS employee since 1974 and became a District Conservationist in 1979. Previously, he was a Soil Conservationist in the Indiana Field Office and at the Meadville and Lancaster Field Offices. Don started out as a Student Trainee in the Washington Field Office. He is a graduate of Lewistown High School and has a degree in agronomy from Penn State University. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, fly-fishing and fly-tying.
 

John “Jack” Clark has worked for NRCS since 1979, most recently as a District Conservationist in Middleburg for 12 years. He previously was a Soil Conservationist in Bloomsburg, Nanticoke, and Sunbury. He began his career with NRCS as a Soil Conservation Technician in Sunbury.  He is a graduate of Danville Area High School and has a degree in Ag business from Penn State University. He operated a 130-acre farm for 33 years  implementing the conservation practices of no-tillage, cover crops, grass waterways, cropland terraces, diversions, wildlife habitat establishment, and integrated pest management.  Experience through SCS and NRCS included working with mine reclamation projects, emergency stream/flood projects, no-tillage farming, cropland terraces and agricultural waste management best management practice installation.  In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, living in the country and Penn State football. Jack has three children and one granddaughter.

Shane Eia has been a Soil Conservation Technician in the Middleburg Field Office, Snyder County for since 2002. He has also worked for the Snyder County Conservation District in Middleburg. Shane is a graduate of West Snyder High School in Beaver Springs, PA and has a degree in Environmental Technology from Penn Tech in Williamsport. In college, he did carpentry for a summer job and he worked at the local wastewater treatment plant during the summers while in high school.

Marcia Farbotnik has worked for NRCS since 1989 and has been the Supervisory District Conservationist for Southeast Field Team 2 since October 2007. Previously she served as the District Conservationist in Bucks and Lehigh counties and as a soil conservationist in Bucks County for ten years. Marcia began her NRCS career as a WAE in Bucks County. She is a graduate of Central Buck West High School in Doylestown, PA and has a degree in agronomy from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture in Doylestown, PA.
Marcia was a full time cash crop farmer with livestock, including beef cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, and horses. She has also owned and operated her own business of goats’ milk soap, crafts, and a fruit and produce market. Her hobbies involve anything outdoors, including hiking and horses.

Barry Frantz has been with NRCS since 1977, beginning as a student trainee. Since 2005 he has been the Assistant State Conservationist for Programs in the Harrisburg State Office. He previously served as Pennsylvania’s State Resource Conservationist, Soil Conservationist on PA’s Resources Staff, completed a four-year whole farm planning assignment with the PA Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) in Harrisburg and a two-year farmland protection assignment with the PA Department of Agriculture in Harrisburg. Barry was also a District Conservationist in Nazareth and Burnham. He is experienced in farmland protection and whole farm planning, along with having attended soil quality training. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, gardening, soccer, cooking, coaching youth sports and target shooting. Barry is also a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Susan “Suzy” Funka-Petery began her career at NRCS as a student trainee in the Towanda Field Office in the summer of 1980. She has worked as a Soil Conservationist for a total of four years, in both Schuylkill and Bedford counties and as Conservation Technician for four years in Greene County before becoming the District Conservationist. She has held the position of Supervisory District Conservationist for West Field Team 6, which consists of Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties since 1997. Suzy’s other duties include working with the Workforce Diversity Committee, Emergency Flood Work, and as a coordinator for the County Land Judging Contest with VoAg each year. Suzy enjoys camping, farming, horses, and football in her spare time.
 

John George has had a long and successful career with NRCS, having started with our agency in 1968 as a student trainee. He has worked in various counties across the state in many capacities during his career. Before assuming his role of Supervisory District Conservationist, John worked as a student trainee, Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist and RC&D Coordinator for NRCS. He has also worked as a hospital orderly, a heavy laborer in a smelting plant, and worked on dairy, beef, chicken and tobacco farms. John studied Agronomy at Delaware Valley College. He is an avid reader and enjoys bicycle riding. John also is a U.S. and World History buff.

Mark Groshek, Area Engineering Technician, Bloomsburg Technical Center began his career with NRCS as an Engineering Aide in 1981 while still a high school student.  He has also worked as a Soil Conservation Technician in various parts of the state. Mark studied Engineering briefly at Penn State, Hazleton prior to accepting a full time position with NRCS in 1983. Mark’s hobbies include spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking and traveling.
 

Mike Hanawalt, District Conservationist in the Wellsboro Field Office began his career with NRCS in 2001 as a Soil Conservation Technician. In addition to his present position in Tioga County, he has also worked in Bedford, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Bradford Counties.  Mike studied Geo-Environmental Studies at Shippensburg University and worked on beef and poultry farms during high school and college. He has worked with the National Park Service and as an Engineering Intern with PennDOT. Mike’s hobbies include hunting, golfing, hiking, backpacking, and skiing. He also enjoys playing the trumpet and the guitar.

Amanda Hasemeier has been a GIS Specialist in the State Office since 1991 when the NRI became computerized. She is a graduate of Syracuse University in Geography/Cartography. Her first job took her to Arizona State University, where she was the Office Manager and resident Cartographer in a newly established Climatology Lab. Two of her big projects were organizing a group of weather watchers and promoting the use of solar energy. While in Arizona, she earned a master’s degree in Geography and Climatology, incorporating her love of mapping. From Arizona, she transferred to Rome, NY to work for the U.S. Air Force in image processing work when it was in its infancy. Outside of her professional activities, she has owned a candy/chocolate business for ten years, raised three children, is active in church and community activities, acts as the gofer and right-hand helper with her husband in major home-remodeling projects, loves to grow flowers, helps with wine processing and bottling as her newest hobby. Amanda was born in San José, Costa Rica where her father worked for the Department of State. Until her high school graduation from Bogotá, Colombia, she lived in several countries in Central and South America. She speaks fluent Spanish, has studied French and Italian, and is a member of the PA Hispanic Committee. Currently, Amanda remains very active in the National Organization of Professional Hispanic NRCS Employees, where her major focus is raising funds for scholarships.

Kelly Ireland, Agronomist and Conservation Security Program Manager in the State Office, graduated from the University of Maryland. She majored in Agronomy and Conservation of Soil, Water, and Environment. Before assuming her current position, Kelly worked as a District Conservationist in Fulton County, and as a Soil Conservationist in Queen’s County Maryland, as well as working as an educator at a Wetland Center. Kelly enjoys camping, working with children and conversing with friends and co-workers.
 

Jana Malot, State Grassland Specialist in the State Office, has been a NRCS employee since 1980. She graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Animal Science before beginning her career as a Soil Conservation Technician in Bedford and Fulton counties. Jana also worked as a Soil Conservationist, a District Conservationist, and as East Region National Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Coordinator. Jana served as the State Resource Conservationist for two years, before returning to her true passion as State Grassland Specialist. The Malot family also owns and operates a Bed and Breakfast on their grazing farm, where they raise beef cattle, horses, and mules. Jana’s hobbies include a plethora of outdoor activities including horseback riding, bird and butterfly watching, showing livestock, as well as educating those unfamiliar with Agriculture. Jana also enjoys spending time with her grandson.

Brad Michael, Supervisory District Conservationist for Southeast Field Team 5 began his career with NRCS as a Student Trainee in Ranson, West Virginia. Other positions he has held with NRCS are Soil Conservationist in Kingwood, WV; Morganton, WV; and Fayette County, PA. A graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in Ag and Environmental Education, Brad is a die-hard fan of his alma mater. He holds certifications in both conservation planning and nutrient management. Brad is a part-time farmer and enjoys conservation and grass based agriculture activities in his free time.
 

Donald Murray, Project Engineer in the Bloomsburg Technical Office began his career with NRCS in 1979 as a WAE before becoming an Agricultural Engineer in Somerset, PA. Don has also spent time as a Civil Engineer before assuming his current position. He is a graduate of Penn State University, with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He has work experience with dairy farms, hydrology, hydraulics, concrete, construction experience, extensive Ag BMP understanding and knowledge of passive water treatments. Donald’s hobbies include family, church, gardening, running, cross-country skiing, and wine making. He is an avid football fan and claims the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Nittany Lions as his favorite teams.

Carl Pelino, District Conservationist in Meadville has worked for NRCS since 1976. He studied Forest Science at Penn State. Carl has held positions as Soil Conservationist and RC&D Coordinator before taking his current position as District Conservationist. Carl enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, and traveling. He also enjoys watching college and professional football as well as all levels of ice hockey.

 

Heather Rodriguez, Soil Conservationist in the Lebanon Field Office began her career with NRCS in February of 2001 as a Soil Conservation Technician. She has also held the position of Natural Resource Specialist. Heather attended Millersville University in Lancaster County, PA where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology (Ecological option). As a college intern, she worked with the Lebanon County Conservation District and with the Hershey Gardens’ Butterfly House Program. Heather enjoys all types of music, movies, fiction books, and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and gardening.
 

Gary Smith is the Assistant State Conservationist for Operations. Gary grew up on a farm in central Ohio and earned a Business Administration degree from West Liberty State College and an Agronomy/Soils degree at The Ohio State University. Between degrees, he worked three years in private industry. It was at Ohio State that Gary entered the agency’s Cooperative Education Program where he got a foot in the door for permanent employment with NRCS (SCS at the time). After working in two locations as a Soil Conservationist and two locations as a District Conservationist, Gary transferred to State College, Pennsylvania as Area Conservationist. Later he transferred to Harrisburg where he has held the position of Assistant for Operations, Assistant for Programs, State Resource Conservationist, Assistant for Intergovernmental Relations and once again Operations. Gary was the first Hispanic Special Emphasis Program Manager for Pennsylvania and is a charter member of the National Organization. He joined the Soil and Water Conservation Society when a student at Ohio State and has remained a member since that time and served as President of the Keystone Chapter. Gary does stream monitoring for the Paxton Creek Watershed Association as a volunteer and enjoys outdoor activities, reading and spending time with his family. Gary is married and he and his wife Anne have two sons, Brian and Alan.

Noel Soto, Soil Conservationist in the State Office, has been a NRCS employee since 1988. He attended the University of Puerto Rico where he studied General Agriculture. Noel has worked in NRCS offices in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Pennsylvania. He has held positions as a Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, NRCS East Region Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative coordinator and as EQIP program manager. Noel has experience with conservation on cold and tropical weather croplands and grazing lands. He has also served on international assignments and has experience with NRCS financial assistance programs. Noel enjoys teaching basic conservation principles (“Conservation 101”) to students and new employees. Noel speaks fluent Spanish, a skill that he uses for outreach to Hispanic farmers and groups.

Katrina Thompson, Soil Conservationist in the York Field Office has been a NRCS employee since 1989. She studied Ag. Business and Range Science at Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana. Katrina has worked as a Soil Conservationist in five field offices and as the District Conservationist in the Great Falls, Montana Field Office before continuing her career in Pennsylvania. She has a strong grazing background. Her hobbies include teaching group fitness, step aerobics, kickboxing, and cycling. She also enjoys skiing, horses, biking, hiking and jewelry making.


Chad Wentz, Supervisory District Conservationist in the Carlisle Field Office has worked for NRCS since 2000. Previously he worked for the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservation Technician and as an Earth Team Volunteer during college.  He worked as a Soil Conservationist for NRCS in Maryland in a number of different field offices before assuming his position as Supervisory District Conservationist for Southeast Field Teams 1 & 2 in Pennsylvania. Chad graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Environmental Resource Management. He enjoys watching Penn State football and participating in outdoor activities.

Ed White, State Soil Scientist in the State Office has been a NRCS employee since 1975. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Agronomy. Ed has held positions as Soil Scientist, Area Soil Scientist, and Assistant State Soil Scientist in Maryland as well as positions as Soil Survey Project Leader in Bedford, PA, Assistant State Soil Scientist and Soil Correlater for several years before assuming his current position. Ed has worked extensively with computers, databases, and GIS. He also supervised the Pennsylvania Information Technology staff for several years. Ed enjoys reading and playing golf in his spare time.

John Zaginaylo, Area Engineer in the Bloomsburg Technical Office has been a NRCS employee for 32 years. He also has held the position of Civil Engineer in State College, PA; U.S. Virgin Islands; California; and Washington, PA. John attended Berwick Area High School in Berwick, PA. Upon graduation, John began his studies in Agricultural Engineering at Penn State, Hazleton and University Park. John was a junior in college when he began his career at NRCS as a WAE. In his early career, he worked on projects, including dams and mine reclamation. John owns and operates a 250-acre crop and dairy operation with his family. He maintains an interest in local agricultural activities including showing dairy cattle and developing dairy herd genetics and improving crop production techniques to increase farm profitability.

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