Rodale Institute CEO announces his retirement
Jeff Moyer will leave his position in spring 2023
MAXATAWNY TWP. >> The board of directors of Rodale Institute has announced the retirement of Jeff Moyer from his position as chief executive officer, effective in spring 2023. Moyer will then transition to CEO Emeritus, where he will continue to support and advise the organization.
Moyer joined Rodale Institute in 1976, and has been dedicated to “advancing the mission of the Institute and regenerative organic agriculture,” according to Monday’s announcement.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to work alongside so many great people that make up the organic and regenerative organic community,” Moyer said in a statement. “Being able to positively impact individual lives and the planet as a whole has made every day of the past 46 years a true joy.”
Moyer spent 39 years as farm manager/director before being appointed as executive director of the Institute in 2015. In 2020, he was named CEO. The board will retain an executive search firm to select a new CEO.
According to Maya Rodale and Roberta Lang, cochairs of the board of directors, the regenerative organic movement and Rodale Institute “would not be where it is today” without Moyer’s leadership.
“His tireless dedication to the study, practice, and advocacy of regenerative organic agriculture has helped countless farmers transition to organic practices, which has led to healthier soil, healthier food, healthier people, and a healthier planet,” the pair said in a joint statement. They added that while Moyer is “irreplaceable, he has assembled a stellar team” that will ensure a smooth transition for the organization.
“Thanks to Jeff’s leadership, Rodale Institute has never been in a stronger position,” Rodale and Lang added in their joint statement.
Moyer is well-known for conceptualizing and popularizing a Rodale Instituteinvented tractor attachment dubbed the “roller crimper,” according to a press release announcing Moyer’s retirement.
“It’s a vital tool in notill organic agriculture as it reduces soil erosion, improves soil health, and increases biodiversity,” the release stated.
Moyer has served as the chairman of the National Organic Standards Board, and currently sits on the boards of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the Soil Health Institute, and the advisory board of The Real Organic Project. He is also a founding board member of Pennsylvania Certified Organic and past founder and board chairman of The Seed Farm, a farmer incubator project. He was recently named to City and State Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Power 100 list.
Founded in 1947 by J.I. Rodale, the Maxatawny Township, Berks Countybased Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through research, farmer training, and education.