Dr. Ben Campbell

Professor & Extension Coordinator · University of Georgia, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics

Dr. Benjamin Campbell is a Professor and Extension Coordinator in the University of Georgia’s Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics. His work focuses on consumer behavior, marketing, agribusiness, and the economics of specialty crops. He has authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and has conducted research specifically on consumer demand for Georgia lavender products and the economics of starting a lavender business. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University.

Hana Tisserand

Co-founder · Tisserand Institute

Hana Tisserand is co-founder of the Tisserand Institute and a widely respected educator in evidence-based essential oil use and safety. Known for her ability to translate complex scientific research into clear, practical guidance, Hana has helped advance a more thoughtful, responsible approach to aromatherapy and essential oil education. Through the Tisserand Institute, she has helped thousands of practitioners, educators, and essential oil users better understand the chemistry, benefits, limitations, and safe application of essential oils. Her work is grounded in science, shaped by real-world experience, and focused on helping people make informed decisions based on credible evidence. Hana’s expertise, clarity, and commitment to raising standards in essential oil education make her a highly valued voice in the field, and we are delighted to welcome her to Savannah.

Linus ‘Rory’ Schmitz

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant · Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences Clemson University

Rory is a Ph.D. candidate in Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University whose research focuses on the biology and management of Phytophthora nicotianae in ornamental crops, particularly lavender. Their dissertation investigates early pathogen detection, host specificity, fungicide resistance, and sustainable management of Phytophthoraroot and crown rot. Rory also serves as a teaching assistant in introductory plant pathology and has held leadership roles in graduate student organizations, with a passion for advancing science-based solutions for sustainable ornamental crop production and educating future plant scientists.

Jered Grzybowski

co-owner and lead grower at Charsaw Farms and Goodwin Creek Gardens

Jered Grzybowski is co-owner and lead grower at Charsaw Farms and Goodwin Creek Gardens in Southern Oregon, where he oversees greenhouse propagation and demonstration gardens featuring more than 125 varieties of lavender and over 300 other perennial plants. Jered and his wife, Anna, have been propagating plants and growing lavender and herbs organically for more than a decade, with a strong focus on plant health, regenerative growing practices, and education. Jered also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the United States Lavender Growers Association.

Lisa Rumbaugh

Lisa Rumbaugh, CPA, is the founder of BloomWisely PC, a Sonoma County accounting firm providing accounting, tax, and business advisory services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. With more than 35 years of experience in public accounting, private companies, family offices, and nonprofit organizations, Lisa brings a practical approach to helping business owners understand their finances, tax obligations, and business decisions. Lisa serves as Treasurer of the United States Lavender Growers Association and is currently developing a specialty farm in Sonoma County that will include lavender and other crops. She joined USLGA to learn from the experience and expertise of established lavender growers as she develops her own farm. Through this process, Lisa has become particularly interested in applying her professional expertise in accounting, tax, and business strategy to the unique financial and operational considerations facing lavender farms and other small agricultural businesses.

Sherri Wood

President USLGA, owner of Capay Valley Lavender & Capay Valley Olive

Sherri Wood is President of the United States Lavender Growers Association and owner of Capay Valley Lavender and Capay Valley Olive in California. Her journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of specialty agriculture—building businesses around crops she believes in while learning firsthand what it takes to grow, market, and sustain a successful farm operation. Through Capay Valley Lavender and Capay Valley Olive, Sherri has developed practical experience in production, product development, customer engagement, and the many decisions required to turn a farm into a viable business. Her leadership with USLGA extends that experience to the broader lavender community, where she is committed to helping growers learn from one another and strengthening the industry as a whole.

Dr. Jeffers

Professor · Clemson University

Dr. Jeffers is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Extension Specialist at Clemson University, where he focuses on ornamental and tree diseases, particularly those caused by Phytophthora. His research explores pathogen biology and ecology, detection, inoculum sources, and integrated disease management. Since 2015, he and his team have led a nationwide research effort on Phytophthora root and crown rot of lavender, identifying the causal species and affected lavender varieties while investigating disease management and improved pathogen detection methods. He also teaches Principles of Plant Pathology to undergraduate students.