People News

Duich gets C. Reed Funk Award

The Turfgrass Breeders Association has given Joe Duich, Ph.D., the C. Reed Funk award, named for the professor of plant science at Rutgers University. Duich is the fourth recipient of the award, which honors individuals for their dedication to turfgrass breeding and their impact on education.

“Dr. Joe has dedicated his entire life to improving the state of the turfgrass industry,” said Crystal Fricker, board member of the association. “His hard work has positively impacted the lives of countless students, and his careful deliberation has resulted in the development of many new turf varieties.”

Duich spent nearly 40 years at Penn State University, educating thousands of students who now work in every aspect – leading researchers, golf course superintendents, business owners – of the turf industry.

While at Penn State, he also developed several prominent turfgrass varieties. Early in his career, in collaboration with H. Burton Musser, Ph.D., Duich worked on the Penncross variety. Later, he developed PennLinks, Penneagle, Seaside II and the A-G series. More recently he worked with Pure-Seed Testing Inc., to develop the disease-resistant Penneagle II.

Andy Lee named CEO of Sipcam Agro USA and Advan LLC

Sipcam Agro USA Inc. and Advan LLC have appointed Andy D. Lee as CEO of the two companies. Lee has extensive experience in the agrochemical industry, having held senior leadership roles with BASF Corp. and other chemical companies in the United States and Europe.

Prior to his appointment, he was director of the U.S. crop protection business for BASF Corp.

Advanced Sensor Technology adds personnel

Advanced Sensor Technology Inc. has hired Joseph Cahill as its chief financial officer and chief operating officer, making him responsible for directing the company’s financial and day-to-day operations.

Cahill has more than 17 years of finance, accounting, consulting and leadership experience and was the CFO at Gamesa U.S.
 
The company also announced that it has hired Joe Enciso as senior vice president of sales, making him responsible for sales initiatives throughout the U.S.

After earning an agronomy/turfgrass management degree from The Ohio State University, Enciso worked for well-respected industry distributors, including most recently Century Equipment.

He will be responsible for directing sales efforts aimed at superintendents, architects and irrigation professionals, as well as expanding national distribution channels.