Meet the Team Behind Our Sustainability Commitments

Earlier in his career, Val held senior staff positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, the California State Legislature and the California Governor’s Office. He has also worked for Fortune 500 companies, helping to develop successful policy and business strategies in the state and local government marketplace. Additionally, Val has served on many volunteer boards and commissions in his communities on both coasts.

Prior to joining Syngenta, he was director of the Department of Pesticide Regulation in California. He also served as the deputy secretary for agriculture at the California Environmental Protection Agency, where he worked with agricultural organizations, farmers, environmentalists, state agencies and other stakeholders. A nonprofit leader, Val also served as president of the Pollinator Partnership, which worked to promote the health of pollinators through conservation, education and research.

Val earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at San Francisco State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. He also attended the University of Uppsala in Sweden. He’s an avid scuba diver, tennis player, dog-lover and backyard gardener.

Collapse >>

Jeff loves working with data to deliver value. He feels that data clarifies where we need to go, and that quality data is an engine that drives change. He has spent five years at Syngenta working to deliver insights to the entire agriculture value chain about opportunities to be more efficient for the bottom line and for the planet.

Jeff spent 10 years working in education, which enables him to explain what is needed and why, and to drive solutions that can be used in teaching and storytelling. His ability to convey quality data in a way that lights a path forward has allowed his work to make a difference. “Quality data is the foundation, but education means I can use that information to make agriculture better day-by-day.”

Based in the United States, Jeff feels privileged to work on a global scale. “I believe all of the changes we make have an effect on others, and that insights and learning should be shared across the globe.” Jeff has Master’s Degrees in both Education and Statistics.

Collapse >>

Steven is a conservationist at heart and believes in leaving things better than he found them. He is excited about the future of agriculture, and he believes sustainability challenges can often be solved by being creative. “I know we can sustainably produce food using the technologies we have today while at the same time keeping our minds open to future possibilities. Let’s talk about your ideas.”

Being with Syngenta for over 20 years, Steven has witnessed the industry shift its thinking from being adjacent to the food system to being an integral part. His current sustainability role aggregates his experience in R&D, regulatory, stewardship and sustainability. “I get to work on projects that enable sustainable agriculture and provide value to our customers.”

Steven has a passion for the environment and the outdoors which stems from his background and was translated into his Degrees in Environmental Toxicology.

Collapse >>

As a former United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1890 National Scholar, Jasmine’s journey began with the USDA Forest Service and led her to Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences’ (MANRRS) national officer team and the Government Accountability Office’s Natural Resources & Environment division. “To me, sustainability is about investing in the next generation. Working with organizations like MANRRS put me in the right mindset to be more thoughtful and intentional about how we do that.”

As one of the newest members of the team, Jasmine brings a fresh perspective and creativity to various initiatives, such as driving the US Sustainability team’s communication strategy and strengthening relationships that help Syngenta achieve its government and industry relations goals.

Jasmine has a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from Virginia Tech. She is currently working on a doctoral degree in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Tech.

Collapse >>