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Bill has been a Professor & Extension Entomologist, Dept. of Entomology, University of Minnesota, in St. Paul, for the past 32 years. He served as Dept. Head from 2010-2015. An Arizona native, he received his BS degree (Agronomy) from the University of Arizona, and his PhD in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Between degrees, he spent 2 months doing ag-missions work in Honduras; this shaped his early vision for international development. With his Extension appointment, he works with growers to implement sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions, to reduce pesticide use yet continue to provide marketable produce. His current focus includes a rapid response to invasive pest species, the use of exclusion-netting and biological control – emphasizing high-value crops (apples, wine grapes, berry crops). During his career he has enjoyed mentoring 20+ graduate students and numerous undergraduates. Internationally, Bill has had the opportunity to work with maize IPM, with scientists in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa, as well as Mexico and the UK.

Bill is an active supporter of ECHO, particularly since serving on the Board from 2010-2016. He continues to believe in ECHO’s mission, and has a passion to work with ECHO’s staff and partners, to break the poverty cycle of 800M+ who continue to be malnourished in developing countries. Enhancing the yields of staple crops, as well as increasing access to high-value fruit and vegetable crops provides additional family funding, and expands income opportunities.