Meet the FIHF Board of Directors

Dr. David Baltensperger leads a multifaceted program encompassing research, teaching, and extension. The department, known for its breadth and excellence, conducts internationally acclaimed research ranging from genetics to crop science. Dr. Baltensperger assumed his current role in 2006, after roles in plant breeding at the University of Florida and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His cultivars are grown on over 15 million acres of cropland. Dr. Baltensperger also held key advisory roles, including to the Secretary of Agriculture, and President of influential science and agriculture organizations such as the Crop Science Society of America.

An Information and Communications Technology researcher and innovator, Dr. Greenspan’s eighty US patents include the first description of 2-factor, 2-device authentication and authorization. This work has aided secure access to web services around the world, and showcased the value of keeping humans-in-the-loop in machine-based decision-making. Previously, a Senior Vice President of Strategic Research at CA Technologies, and a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories, he serves on the A4BGU/Philadelphia Academic Bridge advisory board, and on the steering committee for Community Climate Shift, a multi-city consortium of community-based organizations and decarbonization analysts. 

A fifth-generation farmer and rancher, Tyson Narjes operates a diversified agricultural operation consisting of hard red winter wheat, hard white winter wheat, corn, proso millet and annual forages in Cheyenne County, Nebraska with his brother, Ryan and his mother, Susan. Tyson, his wife Regina, and their three children, Isaac, Clara, and Reid also run a commercial cow-calf and yearling beef operation. Beyond the fields, Tyson’s commitment extends to community leadership, actively participating in the Cheyenne County Farm Bureau, Cheyenne County Extension and Sidney High School Career Pathways. Tyson is broadly recognized for his dedication to delivering the next generation a prosperous farm and healthy farming community in the heart of Nebraska.

Brandon Neuschafer is a lawyer whose practice draws on his diverse experience advising clients on operational, regulatory and environmental issues pertaining to the development, production, sale, and distribution of food, agricultural, and chemical products. He represents clients before a wide range of regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and state agencies. Brandon is also involved in multiple food and agriculture advocacy organizations.

With a background combining international business, economics, and technology, Dr. Wallace leads teams integrating diverse expertise into a coherent purpose that benefits society while delivering stakeholder value. Wallace received his PhD from the University of Michigan and was a Fulbright Fellow researcher for the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. He then worked in corporate strategy and frontline business leadership with global food company Cargill. In the US and Europe, Wallace led multi-organization, billion-dollar business initiatives in flour milling, oil refining, cocoa and chocolate, pharmaceutical distribution, and other industries. Wallace co-developed the concept for the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food, based on ideas introduced in his TEDx presentation. He believes that pragmatic innovation is critical for society to flourish in this generation and the next.

Juergen is a strategic Agri-Food Advisor and former Senior Executive at Cargill who provides valuable guidance and advise to help Startups, Venture Capital Funds and Foundation to maximize their potential and increase their chances of success. He is also a Board Member of FIHF and a Startup Mentor for Start Life, a leading Ag-Food Accelerator. During his Cargill career, he has worked across various Ag and Food value Chains, including Cocoa & Chocolate, Edible oils, Oilseeds processing, Biofuels, Starch & Sweeteners, Texturizers and Beverage Ingredients, making significant contributions to multiple Businesses. He brings 33 years of successful career experience and a strong leadership record in Supply Chain, Sustainability, Commercial, Commodity Risk and General Management.

Katie Brown began her professional career in food service management at a large non-profit hospital, later transitioning into community health, working under the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant and with grants from the Office of Minority Health to expand access to equitable diabetes prevention and management services. She has served in teaching roles at two Oklahoma universities, preparing health professionals in the fields of nutrition and nursing. Today, Katie provides individualized nutrition and diabetes care through her private practice while maintaining connections with Native communities through her work with the Native American Fitness Council. Recognized as a 2024 Journal Record Health Care Hero, she continues to advance holistic, patient-centered approaches in her communities.