Agriculture Scientist with Regulatory & Launch Expertise

KAREN M. CORDS, MBA, Ph.D.

Pocono Lake, PA • 937-***-**** • **************@*****.*** • LinkedIn

AGRICULTURE SCIENTIST

A seasoned Product Development research professional in the Agricultural Chemistry Industry with over 25 years of diverse experience, ranging from chemical discovery to successful sales and marketing ventures.

Proven track record of launching top-performing agricultural chemical and CPG products, with expertise in project management, EPA Regulatory submissions, and technical analysis.

Strategic and tactical thinker with exceptional soft skills such as conflict management and relationship building.

"Scientific Interpreter," translating complex concepts into accessible information, contributing to renowned organizations like Pivot Bio, Master Plant-Prod, and The Scotts Company.

Core Competencies and Technical Skills

Product Development • R&D Field/Greenhouse Trial Expertise • Data Analysis • Project Management • EPA Regulatory Compliance (US & Global)

• Laboratory Expertise • Technical Training • Product Launch • Commercialization • Conflict Resolution • Vendor Management

Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook • SPSS • SAS • Asana • Smartsheets • MS Project

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

DIRECTOR, NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATORY • Bonide • August 2024 to February 2025

Created the strategy and managed the development of new and continuing initiatives that aligned with the overall company goals. Worked with the EPA and State Agencies to overcome obstacles that impeded project completion as well as forecasted legislation changes based on the political and regulatory landscape. Developed new product concepts in line with Green Initiatives that expanded the portfolio of low environmental footprints.

Achievements:

●Established and managed new project development processes and systems.

●Discovered and remedied a far-reaching regulatory issue that could have had an extreme impact on business profitability and viability in key segments.

●Managed cross-functional teams as well as 4 direct reports.

PROJECT MANAGER, SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR • Pivot Bio, Inc. • October 2022 to December 2023

Led the evolution of project management at Pivot Bio, transitioning from start-up to growth. Established a structured program engaging university researchers, creating multidisciplinary teams, workflows, GANTT charts, and process-focused tools for streamlined project management. Integral in establishing a Project Management department, implementing tools, best practices, and documentation for effective initiation.

Achievements:

●Established and managed a project management department from scratch at Pivot Bio, initiating a streamlined product launch process and successfully launching two new products, tripling sales within 18 months.

●Delivered a 4x expansion in Pivot Bio's research program by instituting a formal university partnership process. Led a project team to gather and analyze data, enabling informed decisions for nationwide relationship building and product recommendations.

KAREN M. CORDS, MBA, Ph.D.

Dublin, OH • 937-***-**** • **************@*****.*** • LinkedIn

Professional Experience Continued

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT LAUNCH LEAD • Pivot Bio, Inc. • April 2020 to October 2022

Joined Pivot Bio during its start-up phase, spearheading the launch of flagship products, Proven40 and Proven40 OS. Developed efficient product launch processes, formed a multi-disciplinary team, established success metrics, and meticulously managed workflows, communication, and timelines, ensuring on-budget success.

Achievements:

●Initiated the creation of Pivot Bio's Project Management department, securing a unique role tailored to my skill set and achieving an on-time and within-budget launch of two products within 18 months.

●Revamped project management by implementing new project approval processes and structuring ongoing projects, evaluating tools and procedures, resulting in a minimized project documentation deck for project setup and management.

US TECHNICAL SALES MANAGER • Master Plant-Prod, Inc. • April 2018 to October 2019

Led national sales and technical support in the greenhouse/nursery fertility market, delivering technical training, engaging in product sales, and creating bids for external vendors. Conducted educational seminars and provided fertility recommendations to end users.

Achievements:

●Delivered technical support and training to industry professionals, enhancing their expertise.

●Boosted sales by distributing materials and creating competitive bids for external vendors.

●Provided expert nursery, greenhouse, and cannabis fertility recommendations, fostering strong relationships with end users.

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MARKETING AND SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANT • Independent Contractor • January 2013 to April 2018

Researched, marketed, trained, and sold within and outside the Green Industry. Created business plans, 5-year marketing plans and analysis, developed strategic market entry plans, product sales, and conducted personnel training.

Achievements:

●Trained and mentored 200+ individuals nationwide on the safe and effective usage of a cutting-edge herbicide, contributing to enhanced agricultural practices and environmental responsibility in the United States.

●Delivered comprehensive market analysis and competitive intelligence reports, enabling successful entry into the highly competitive US consumer goods market, optimizing strategic decisions and fostering business growth.

●Developed a strategic 5-year marketing plan and implemented a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for a startup service business, enhancing efficiency, customer engagement, and sustainable growth prospects.

MANAGER, TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT • The Scotts Company • May 2007 to February 2013

Progressed through three promotions, this role entailed evaluating technology for Ortho & MiracleGro, prioritizing 60+ global projects, creating sales documentation, and developing testing methods. Launched new products, contributing over $45 MM in point-of-sale revenue.

Achievements:

●Managed a $350 MM research budget for a business unit, ensuring strategic allocation and maximizing research impact.

●Achieved cost savings exceeding $1 MM by leveraging European technologies for US product development.

TRAINING AND TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, GREENUP DIVISION • Massey Services, Inc. • February 2004 to March 2007

Led training, QA, and application methodology. Innovated application programs, spearheaded technical efforts encompassing P&L and QA, while delivering expert training, technical service support, troubleshooting, and face to face customer service

Achievements:

●Diagnosed and rectified an issue, resulting in a remarkable addition of over $700,000 to the bottom line, showcasing problem-solving skills and substantial financial impact.

●Designed and implemented innovative fertility and pest management application programs for 30+ residential and commercial lawn and landscape service centers, ensuring optimal health and aesthetics of outdoor spaces.

●Conducted comprehensive training sessions for new and existing personnel on pesticide safety, usage, and compliance with federal and state environmental regulations.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, TURF PEST MANAGEMENT • TruGreen Chemlawn • August 2002 to August 2003

Directed communication, training, and QA for internal and external stakeholders. Provided national sales support and technical service. Executed comprehensive testing, endorsed effective nationwide application protocols, and led impactful research and quality assurance initiatives. Managed personnel, ensuring continuous growth and excellence in execution.

Achievements:

●Developed and implemented fertility and pest management Turf & Ornamental (T&O) application protocols, standardizing processes for over 100 service centers nationwide, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

Product Development Manager• FMC Corporation • August 1997 to July 2002

Earned three promotions during tenure: initiated new chemical discovery, expanded flagship herbicide market, and concluded with marketing and testing for three product lines. Built and maintained customer relationships whose accounts totaled over $20 M.

●Commercialized new products that increased segment revenues by ~33%.

●Researched and recommended entry into a $15 million dollar market segment.

PATENTS

1998: “Protection of Gramineous Crops Against Chloroacetanilide Herbicides,” Michigan State University

4.1-413. ID#98-007. D. Penner and K. Novosel

EDUCATION

Ph. D IN CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES • Michigan State University • East Lansing, MI

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN MARKETING (MBA) • Intercontinental University • Chicago, IL

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