Charles Block
Manager, Seed Health Testing
Laboratories
Seed Science Center
Iowa State University
ccblock@iastate.edu
Charles Block leads diagnostic services focused on detecting and identifying seedborne pathogens that can affect crop performance and trade. His role involves overseeing laboratory operations for phytopathological testing using methods such as blotter assays, molecular diagnostics, and serological techniques, while ensuring compliance with national and international phytosanitary standards. He supervises laboratory staff, maintains rigorous quality assurance and biosafety protocols, and works closely with seed companies, researchers, and regulatory agencies to deliver accurate and timely results. In addition, he contributes to applied research and training programs, helping build capacity in seed health testing and supporting efforts to prevent the spread of plant diseases through seed systems.
Ellie Crom
Event Planner, Conference Planning
and Management Office of Extension
and Outreach
Iowa State University
eecrom@iastate.edu
(515) 294-4732
Ellie Crom coordinates and executes a wide range of university-hosted events, conferences, and professional gatherings. In this role, she works closely with faculty, departments, and external partners to plan event logistics from start to finish, including venue selection, scheduling, budgeting, vendor coordination, registration management, and on-site operations. She ensures that events run smoothly and meet institutional standards by overseeing timelines, troubleshooting issues in real time, and delivering high-quality participant experiences. Her work supports the university’s outreach, education, and engagement missions by facilitating meetings, training programs, and conferences that connect academic, industry, and international audiences.
Jerry Flint
Founder and President
Acuity Consulting, LLC
Jerry@Acuity-Consultant.com
Jerry Flint is a seasoned seed industry professional who will serve as Seed Market Specialist for this project, bringing extensive experience in seed distribution systems, market development, and industry engagement. His background spans work with seed companies, producer networks, and trade organizations, where he has supported the commercialization and movement of improved varieties across diverse markets. He has expertise in aligning seed supply with farmer demand, strengthening linkages between breeders, producers, and distributors, and navigating regulatory and quality standards that affect market access. In this role, he will provide strategic guidance on seed market development, support business-to-business connections, and help ensure that project interventions are responsive to market realities and sustainable over the long term.
Alan Gaul 
Seed Conditioning Specialist
Seed Science Center
Iowa State University
agaul@iastate.edu
Alan Gaul oversees the processing and physical improvement of seed to meet quality and market standards. His role focuses on managing and demonstrating seed conditioning operations, including cleaning, sizing, grading, treating, and packaging, using specialized equipment to remove impurities and enhance seed uniformity and performance. He works closely with students, trainees, and industry partners to provide hands-on instruction in seed processing techniques and equipment operation, often supporting training programs and short courses. In addition, he collaborates with researchers and seed companies to test and refine conditioning methods, thereby improving efficiency, seed quality, and post-harvest handling practices within modern seed systems.
Scott Heuchelin 
Director, Seed Science Center
Iowa State University
scotth3@iastate.edu
Scott Heuchelin provides strategic leadership for one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to seed science, technology, and systems development. In this role, he oversees the Center’s research, education, and global outreach programs, working to strengthen seed systems and improve access to high-quality seed both in the United States and internationally. With a background in seed industry management and policy, he brings extensive experience in building partnerships across academia, government, and the private sector. Heuchelin plays a key role in advancing innovation, supporting workforce development, and guiding initiatives that enhance seed quality, regulatory frameworks, and market development worldwide.
Kelly Iverson 
Coordinator
National Seed Health System
kiverson@iastate.edu
Kelly Iverson coordinates the National Seed Health System, which is administered by the Seed Science Center at Iowa State University in collaboration with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In this role, she oversees the implementation and coordination of a national system designed to ensure that seed moving in domestic and international trade meets phytosanitary requirements for seedborne pathogens. Her responsibilities include managing laboratory accreditation and audit processes, maintaining program standards and protocols, coordinating with federal and state regulatory agencies, and serving as a liaison with seed companies and testing laboratories. She also supports training and capacity-building efforts, facilitates communication among stakeholders, and ensures the system operates efficiently to protect plant health while enabling safe, compliant seed trade.
Kim North
Seed Analyst and Manager,
Germination Lab
Seed Science Center
Iowa State University
kimnorth@iastate.edu
Kim North is a Seed Analyst at the Seed Science Center, where she also serves as the germination lab manager. In this dual role, she oversees the center’s seed testing operations, ensuring that germination and quality assessments are performed accurately and efficiently. She manages the lab's daily workflow, schedules tests, directs staff and student workers, and maintains high standards for seed analysis. Her primary responsibility is conducting germination tests on a wide range of seed samples, a critical step in determining seed viability and overall quality. Beyond routine testing, Kim is an expert in specialized procedures, such as the tetrazolium viability assay, and she trains both students and industry professionals in these methods, helping build technical expertise within the seed science community. Kim also mentors students and temporary lab staff, guiding them through complex seed testing procedures and fostering interest in careers in seed analysis. Her work ensures that seed companies, farmers, and researchers receive timely and reliable data, supporting both seed commerce and agricultural decision-making.
Lulu Rodriguez 
Global Programs Lead
Seed Science Center
Iowa State University
lulurod@iastate.edu
Lulu Rodriguez provides strategic direction and oversight for international capacity-building initiatives in seed systems development. Her work focuses on strengthening seed sectors in emerging and developing economies by designing and managing programs that enhance technical, institutional, and human capacity across the seed value chain. Drawing on expertise in communication, behavior change, and stakeholder engagement, she helps bridge science, policy, and practice by facilitating partnerships among universities, governments, development agencies, and the private sector. She also leads efforts to integrate research insights into program design, supports training and professional development activities, and contributes to advancing global dialogue on improving farmers’ access to high-quality seed.
Jim Rouse
Project Consultant
Former Executive Director
Iowa Crop Improvement Center
rousedata@gmaill.com
Jim Rouse is a longtime leader in the U.S. seed industry who served as Director of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association, where he oversaw one of the nation’s most established seed certification programs. During his tenure, he was responsible for ensuring the genetic identity and purity of seed through field inspections, certification standards, and quality assurance systems that support both domestic and international seed trade. He worked closely with seed companies, plant breeders, and regulatory bodies to maintain high standards for certified seed and to adapt certification processes to evolving industry and policy needs. With deep expertise in seed certification, regulatory frameworks, and industry coordination, he remains a valuable resource for seed system development and quality assurance.
Doan Schmitz
Interim Director
Iowa Crop Improvement Center
doan@iastate.edu
Doan Schmitz is a seasoned seed industry professional currently serving as interim director of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA), the state’s official seed certifying body. Appointed in March 2026 during a leadership transition, he is responsible for guiding the organization’s operations, providing strategic direction, and working with the board of directors to maintain ICIA’s mission of ensuring high-quality seed standards for Iowa agriculture.
Schmitz brings more than 25 years of experience within ICIA, where he previously served in senior operational and certification roles, including chief operating officer. His long tenure reflects deep expertise in seed certification systems, field inspection, and crop performance testing. A graduate of Iowa State University with a background in agricultural business, Schmitz has spent his career supporting seed quality assurance and advancing crop improvement efforts in collaboration with the university’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Shelley Taylor
Director, Office of Global
Engagement
College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences, Iowa State University
sztaylor@iastate.edu
Shelley Taylor leads and oversees the college’s internationalization efforts, with a strong emphasis on expanding global opportunities for students, faculty, and departments. In this role, she advances the College’s global priorities by facilitating study abroad and “study away” experiences, supporting international travel, hosting international visitors, and helping build and strengthen global partnerships. Taylor provides strategic leadership in donor engagement and stewardship—managing significant scholarship funds to support undergraduate study abroad—and works closely with departments to enhance their global engagement activities. She co‑directs the Dean’s Global Agriculture and Food Leadership program, contributes to curriculum integration with international internships and courses, assists with student placement and mentorship abroad, and supports faculty in developing global collaborations, thereby enriching the educational and intercultural experiences of the CALS community.
Lori Youngberg
Coordinator, Seed Technology and
Business (STB) Graduate Program
Seed Science Center
Iowa State University
lyoung@iastate.edu
Lori Youngberg serves as Coordinator of the Seed Technology and Business (STB) Graduate Program at Iowa State University, where she manages the administration and delivery of this globally recognized professional degree program. In this role, she coordinates student recruitment, admissions, and advising, while working closely with faculty, industry partners, and the Seed Science Center to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with evolving seed industry needs. She oversees program logistics, course scheduling, and student support services, and plays a key role in fostering a collaborative learning environment for mid-career professionals from around the world. Her work helps strengthen human capacity in the seed sector by preparing graduates with the technical, regulatory, and business skills needed to lead modern seed enterprises.