Our Team

Tom Green, Ph.D.

President, Founder, Evaluator for pest management providers and facilities

Tom has been a national leader in market-based sustainability and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiatives for more than thirty years. He co-founded and directs the IPM Institute and served as a director of the Entomological Foundation from 2009 to 2015, and as a vice-president and president from 2011-2014. He was awarded the Foundation’s Medal of Honor in 2015. He has been a member of the Entomological Society of America since 1983 and served on the Presidential Committee on Science Policy and the Presidential Committee on Awards. He served on the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan stakeholder development committee and currently serves on the Minnesota Pollinator Health and Crop Production Task Force. Dr. Green is a Certified Crop Advisor and a USDA NRCS-certified Technical Service Provider.  He holds a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Massachusetts and has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications and presented at more than 250 professional and industry events.

Peter Werts

Department Director

As department director, Peter leads the overall strategic direction of sustainable communities programs including Green Shield Certified.

Marnie McMullin

Project Manager

Marnie earned a B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Since her time at Evergreen, Marnie has immersed herself in many aspects of sustainable food production and distribution from vegetable farming to managing the produce department at the local grocery co-op. She believes that the health of our communities is top priority. This passion has driven much of her work for the past two decades. Marnie brings this passion to her job at the IPM Institute and the Green Shield Certified program by managing the program’s mission, revamping the program’s operating systems and providing oversight in day-to-day operations.

Josie Dillon

Specialist

Josie has an M.S. in Entomology (2023) from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology (2016) from the University of North Dakota. During her time in graduate school, Josie learned much about applied entomology, completed research involving Colorado potato beetles, taught a course on the impact of insects across the world and through history, and volunteered time teaching kids about the importance of insects! Through the IPM Institute, Josie works with apple growers in the Upper Midwest and focuses on helping grower groups and food industries across the country use the Pesticide Risk Tool to reduce pesticide risk on their farms. Josie’s work with GSC focuses on data analysis and pesticide risk.

Ryan Nolan

Coordinator

Ryan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied Global Health and Environmental Studies. His background in public health and his passion for the environment have led him to explore connections between human and environmental health. Ryan coordinates on-site evaluations and annual renewals for pest management providers, services, facilities and landscape companies to achieve and maintain certification.  

Nikki Blunier

Coordinator

Nikki received her M.S. in Environmental Conservation from UW-Madison. The program culminated in a capstone project with Conservation International related to sustainable development and gender equity in southern Suriname. She has a passion for sustainability across sectors and wants to see an equitable distribution of the benefits of sustainable practices. Nikki coordinates on-site evaluations and annual renewals for pest management providers, services, facilities and landscape companies to achieve and maintain certification.

Darryl Forest 

Evaluator for pest management providers and facilities

After a three-year stint as a field artillery officer for the U.S. Army, Darryl attended Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a master’s degree in medical and veterinary and entomology. After graduating, Darryl rejoined the military as an entomologist. Darryl retired from the U.S. Army in 2016 after 20 years of active duty. Currently, Darryl works for the National Gallery of Art as their staff entomologist where he oversees preservation of priceless works of art, protects the health and safety of the visitors and employees and applies IPM techniques to protect the gallery structures from insect damage. Darryl conducts evaluations for pest management providers and facilities on the east coast.

Ronald (Ron) Griffin 

Evaluator for pest management providers and facilities

Ronald (Ron) Griffin currently owns Pest Control Mindset Inc. Ron has participated in the pest management industry for more than 35 years. He has evaluated, recommended and assisted in decision making for pest management providers in New York state. Ron has a commercial license issued by the States of New York, New Jersey and Delaware in Demonstration and Research. Ron is a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation training instructor. Ron focuses on building strong relationships with his clients through regular and clear communication of IPM concepts and strategies. Ron conducts evaluations for pest management providers and facilities on the east coast.

Amanda Arnold

Evaluator for landscaping companies and landscapes

Amanda Arnold graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s in landscape architecture and a Bachelor’s of science in history. Amanda currently owns her own landscape architecture business, PlanIt Landscape Perspectives, LLC, concentrating on eco-focused design and education for public and private works. She is a licensed Landscape Architect, carries a LEED AP with a BD+C specialty and SITES AP certification and is an Adjunct Faculty at College of DuPage. Her past design-build experience has helped her focus her passion and enhance native and natural spaces, management and educational engagement. Amanda conducts evaluations for landscaping companies and landscapes.

 

Green Shield Certified is operated by the IPM Institute of North America, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its expertise and accomplishments in promoting integrated pest management.