Our People
Emory Knoll Farms is as much a living organism as the plants we grow! Our people bring a diverse range of backgrounds, core areas of expertise, and interests; and we openly embrace these differences to make the team we now have. We also share many important attributes, such as personal integrity, work ethic, and professionalism.
As a whole, we endeavor to be a learning organization.
Arden Pontasch – Owner:
Arden Pontasch is owner and president of Emory Knoll Farms, Inc. and Green Roof Plants.
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Arden has dedicated 20 years to the Horticulture Industry, spanning both the private and the public sectors. Her passion for connecting people with nature, as well as exploring the application of plants to solve problems, continues as the beacon for new endeavors.
Additionally, Arden serves on the board of the Ecological Landscape Alliance, and as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for the board of the Perennial Plant Association.
Ryan Butcher – Owner:
Ryan Butcher, a fifth-generation farmer, and first generation nurseryman is owner of Emory Knoll Farms, Inc. and Green Roof Plants.
Ryan spent his childhood on a family dairy farm in South Dayton, NY before going to college in Buffalo. He found his passion for horticulture and plants during his time in the city.
Ryan’s passion for functional horticulture has lead him to thrive in several positions from retail to growing settings before pursuing ownership of Emory Knoll Farms, Inc. He is focused on helping green infrastructure thrive in urban and suburban settings to improve the environment.
Ed Snodgrass – Senior Consultant:
Edmund C. Snodgrass, a fifth-generation farmer, and nurseryman is the Senior Consultant at Emory Knoll Farms, Inc. and Green Roof Plants.
As a green roof and horticulture specialist, Ed has consulted on projects throughout the United States and also in England, France, New Zealand, China, Australia, Mexico, Sweden and Morocco.
Ed collaborates on green roof research with academic institutions including University of Maryland,
Penn State University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Auckland, and Sheffield University. A popular speaker and published author, Ed teaches and lectures widely, at universities and conferences, both close to home, and around the world.
Ed is the co-author of Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide (Timber Press 2006), The Green Roof Manual – A Professional Guide to Design, Installation and Maintenance (Timber Press 2010) and Small Green Roofs (Timber Press 2011).
Ben Phipps – Facilities Manager
Ben has been with EFK since 2010, during that time he departed and worked two seasons as a seasonal gardener at Denver Botanic Gardens in the Rose, aquatic, succulent, and Colorado native sections, returning to EKF in 2019.
His interest in agriculture began early in life as a 4H & Green Thumb member, continued onto some of Longwood gardens certificate programs. Over time he has performed most tasks at EKF, now Ben oversees all operational systems at the farm, including mechanical, organizational, and supervisorial.
Brian Williams – Growing Manager
Brian started in 2023 and comes with a decade of experience in caring for plants in commercial
horticulture. He has a passion for horticulture and can unlock any plant problem with the skill and determination of a master safe cracker.
Brian heads up our IPM program and nutrient management program.
He has a fabulous collection of orchids along with other tropical plant groups.
Chris Speno – Seed Orchard Manager
Chris has been a long-term employee at EKF on the job since 2000, he participated in some major growth and changes of the company during this time. Prior to coming on board, he had 7 years of experience landscaping and hardscaping for Kurt Bluemel in Maryland.
He currently manages the seed production fields at the farm, and several acres of display and trial gardens.
Erin Kurceba – Customer Service Manager
Erin has been at EKF since March 2016; she is our nature lover and conservationist on staff. As a lifelong learner she has a wide range of interests and diverse hobbies, including bee-keeping here at EKF. Her primary responsibilities are propagation, including cutting monitoring and harvesting, sticking and aftercare and she heads up our social media presence. Additionally, she performs shipping & office tasks, and landscaping.
