Newsroom
Rosalba Messina Named Interim CEO Of The Rodale Institute
—Timothy J. LaSalle Resigns—
—Maya Rodale Named Director of Communications and Outreach—
Kutztown, PA, February 12, 2010—Rodale Inc. today announced that Rosalba Messina has been named Interim CEO of the Rodale Institute, effective February 10. She replaces Timothy J. LaSalle, who resigned from his post after a successful three-year tenure.
As CEO, LaSalle helped open the eyes of the world to the Rodale Institute and its messaging, research, and practices. Through his participation in numerous speaking engagements and documentaries, he helped inspire a wave of support and collaboration that raised awareness of the Rodale Institute and developed key partnerships that the Rodale Institute looks forward to expanding even further.
“Though I’ve made the decision to leave the Rodale Institute, my work is not yet finished,” said LaSalle. “I will continue to speak and write about the global promise of organic agriculture, climate change, famine prevention, and global water shortages.”
Said Maria Rodale, Chairman & CEO of Rodale Inc., “Tim’s work has been valuable to the Rodale Institute, and the Rodale family. He re-engaged us and helped enhance the worldwide dialogue on global warming and organic agriculture. We are thankful for his service to the health of our planet and to the Institute. As we look to find a new leader for the Institute, I have full confidence that Rosalba will guide us through a smooth transition. The Rodale Institute will be conducting a full search for a new leader of the organization, which is the pioneering voice in the organic movement nationwide.”
Messina is Principal and Founder of Messina Consulting Group, a management consulting firm that assists national and international non-profit organizations in fulfilling their mission by improving human and organizational capacity. Specializing in change management and human capital development, the firm’s services include comprehensive organizational assessments, leadership transitions, and board and staff development. In her roles as CEO, COO and consultant, Messina has successfully addressed the needs of organizations going through an executive transition. This will be her second tenure with the Rodale Institute. She assisted with a previous transition in 2006-2007.
Additionally, Maya Rodale has been named Director of Communications and Outreach at the Rodale Institute, it was also announced today. She is the great granddaughter of J.I. Rodale, founder of the Rodale Institute, and the daughter of Rodale Inc.’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Maria Rodale.
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ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE
Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates global solutions from the ground up. Our soil scientists and a cooperating network of researchers have documented that organic farming techniques offer the best solution to global warming and famine. We were founded in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, in 1947 by organic pioneer J.I. Rodale. Our Farming Systems Trial® (the longest-running U.S. study comparing organic and conventional farming techniques) and 10-year Compost Utilization Trial document the long-term benefits of organic management with compost.
Our findings are clear: A global organic transformation will mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere and restore soil fertility. Our mission: We improve the health and well-being of people and the planet.
Contact: Paul McGinley, Co-Chair, (610) 967-7594
