Syngenta appoints 3 people, donates to Pi Chi Omega

Syngenta announced the appointment of a new technical services manager, marketing communications lead and market manager within its Professional Pest Management (PPM) business.

Dr. Tim Husen

Dr. Tim Husen

Dr. Tim Husen was named the newest PPM technical services manager covering the Midwest and Northeast territories. He will support the Syngenta distribution network and customers as well as provide technical support and training to the PPM sales and marketing teams. He will also work closely with universities and industry consultants to develop technical protocols for trial work.

A long-time veteran of the pest management industry, Dr. Husen most recently served as a technical services representative for another manufacturer. He has also held positions as a manager of technical service at Rollins and a technical training and quality control manager at Waltham Pest Services. He holds a bachelor of science degree in biology, as well as a master of science and doctorate in entomology, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Chris Gigley

Chris Gigley

Chris Gigley joined Syngenta as the new marketing communications lead for PPM, bringing 25 years or marketing and communications experience. He will oversee all marketing and communications efforts for the business, playing a key role in developing communications strategies for Syngenta products and programs.

Gigley holds a bachelor of science in journalism from Ohio University along with several certifications in social media marketing. He most recently served as marketing manager for Thermaco Inc., and previously led marketing and communication teams at OT Sports.

Kristen Oakley

Kristen Oakley

Kristen Oakley was promoted to market manager for PPM at Syngenta. In her new role, she will be responsible for strategic forecasting, pricing and promotion of the Syngenta pest management portfolio.

Oakley joined Syngenta in 2009, serving in a variety of roles before transitioning to PPM in 2013 as the marketing communications lead. In this role, Oakley used her expertise to oversee many successful communications efforts for Syngenta products and programs, including Demand CS insecticide, the PestPartners 365 Program and Tandem insecticide. She earned a bachelor of science from the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University.

Desiree Straubinger, BCE, CP-FS, Certus Pest and president-elect of Pi Chi Omega; Dr. Cassie Krejci, BCE, Terminix and president of Pi Chi Omega, accept the donation from Syngenta from Marshall Gaster, of Syngenta. PHOTO: DIANE SOFRANEC

Syngenta also donated $4,500 to Pi Chi Omega to help provide scholarship funds and research to students studying urban entomology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Syngenta has been making this contribution for years through its partnership with Copesan and the Copesan Charity Raffle held each year at the annual meeting.

“Education is vital to a thriving pest control industry – and ultimately contributes to the wellbeing of our communities,” said Berry Cothern, district manager for Professional Pest Management at Syngenta, North America. “Syngenta is proud to partner with organizations like Pi Chi Omega in the continual support of entomology students who fuel industry growth and innovation.”

Pi Chi Omega provides five $2,000 scholarships, and one $3,000 scholarship each year to deserving entomology students at universities in undergraduate and graduate programs.

“Having industry partners, like Syngenta, step up to the plate to support our giving, ensures the longevity of our scholarship program,” said Dr. Cassie Krejci, Pi Chi Omega’s president. “Syngenta’s annual commitment to this amount accounts for 1/3 of our current annual scholarship award obligation.”