Open to opportunities

George Kegode

@georgekegode

Seasoned agricultural scientist and leader driving sustainable agriculture, program development, and science communication.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior roles where I can lead multidisciplinary teams to develop sustainable agriculture programs, secure funding, and translate science into policy and practice.

I am a strategic leader with over 30 years of expertise in agricultural science, research, and education, focused on sustainable agriculture and food security.

I have led research programs, secured external funding, and mentored students and early-career researchers while translating complex scientific data into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

My international work includes advising USAID programs, training farmers and extension staff in integrated pest management, and directing nonprofit initiatives to improve rural livelihoods and empower women and youth.

I have authored 30+ peer-reviewed articles, served on editorial boards and grant panels, and earned multiple awards for research and science communication, demonstrating sustained impact across academia, government, and international development.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freelance B2B Content Strategist

Current

Self-Employed

Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 9 months)

Create lead-generating content and literature reviews for sustainable agriculture clients, delivering strategy recommendations and actionable messaging to improve engagement and visibility.

Content Strategy literature review Science Communication Client Engagement Messaging Sustainable Agriculture

Current

President & Executive Director

Current

Mwandani International

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 9 months)

Lead a nonprofit improving rural livelihoods in Kenya through sustainable farming innovations and programs empowering vulnerable women and youth to reduce poverty and homelessness.

Nonprofit Leadership Program Development Community Outreach Fundraising Monitoring & Evaluation

Current

IPM Advisor

Current

WE-Empower Inc.

Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 9 months)

Provide integrated pest management expertise for global agricultural initiatives supporting disadvantaged communities and inform implementation of IPM best practices.

Integrated Pest Management Training Technical assistance Program Support Capacity Building Pest Diagnosis

Current

Agriculture & Food Security Consultant

Current

Various International Organizations

Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 9 months)

Conducted pesticide safety assessments and advised USAID programs in Mozambique and Ethiopia to strengthen pest management systems and enhance sustainable food security outcomes.

Program Evaluation Technical Reporting Capacity Building Food Security

Science Writer

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Developed high-impact scientific content for journals, white papers, and digital platforms, translating complex research into accessible insights to advance education and outreach initiatives.

Science Communication Technical Writing Content Strategy Editing

Agriculture & Food Security Advisor

Africare

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Directed strategic planning for multi-country food security programs, designing initiatives to empower women in agriculture and improve community resilience across African partner countries.

Program Strategy Gender Responsive Programming Monitoring & Evaluation Grant Management Capacity Building

Science Advisor

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Jan 2014 - Dec 2014 (11 months)

Managed competitive grant panels for invasive species research and provided strategic recommendations to leadership to guide funding priorities and research directions.

Program Management And Strategic Recommendations Peer Review Stakeholder Engagement

Assistant Professor & Research Leader

Northwest Missouri State University

Jan 2006 - Jan 2014 (8 years)

Founded and led a nationally recognized research program on alternative crops and sustainable farming systems, securing external funding, managing budgets, and mentoring students and researchers.

Agronomy Sustainable Farming Systems Mentorship Budget Management Experimental Design

Assistant Professor & Research Leader

North Dakota State University

Jan 1999 - Jan 2006 (7 years)

Pioneered integrated weed management research that reduced reliance on chemical herbicides and established cross-institutional collaborations to advance sustainable agriculture knowledge.

Integrated Pest Management Research Collaboration Experimental Design Agronomy

Senior Scientist

University of Minnesota (USDA-ARS)

Jan 1996 - Jan 1999 (3 years)

Conducted research on weed biology and management that improved sustainability in agricultural systems and informed best management practices.

Field Research Data Analysis

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Iowa State University

Doctor of Philosophy, Crop Production and Physiology

Ph.D. in Crop Production and Physiology awarded in 1995, focusing on crop production and physiological processes to improve agricultural sustainability.