Our extensive team of seasoned professionals includes our own experts and entomologists – plus specialists from industry associations and cooperative efforts with university research departments – all working together to deliver consistent, high-quality results you can trust.
You can count on every member of the Western team for their depth of knowledge, experience and commitment to your satisfaction.
Don Chrobak, Fumigation Operations Director
Michael O’Connor, Service Manager
Kurt Reichert, Compliance Officer
Lou Azzari, Service Supervisor
Dennis Wilson, Service Supervisor
Michael Wisser, Site Supervisor
Customer Service Representatives: 
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Barbara Hunter, Marketing Director
Miriam Borja, Business Development Manager
George Bruns, Fumigation Specialist
Debbie Dineen, Marketing Manager
Karen DeChristopher, Marketing Administrator 
Albert Marulli, BS, Entomologist / USDA Quarantine Expert Al’s work has involved considerable contact with foreign governments and international organizations such as the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Al is a member, Emeritus, of the Entomological Society of America.
Juan Pablo Zoffoli, MS, Professor of Post-harvest Physiology and Technology Among his many contributions, he is currently undertaking various projects focusing on new technology for fresh fruit preservation. His projects include work with modified atmosphere, a system for classification of cherries and table grapes, technology for the conditioning of peaches and nectarines, and interdisciplinary projects for the development of new varieties of peaches. An assistant professor at the Catholic University of Chile, his Masters degree is from the University of Oregon and he is currently working on his doctoral degree. |
For over 33 years, Don has led his elite team by example. Serving clients with quality, innovation, cost effectiveness and a commitment to excellence at every level, is his underlying philosophy. Leadership in setting industry standards in safety, security, training, technical innovations, pre & post employee screening ensures Western’s ongoing premier position in the fumigation business.
For 28 years, Mike has been instilling Western’s “zero tolerance for error” in his service supervisors and their crews. His extensive scope of experience includes posts from Florida to New York; experimental research in methyl bromide recapturing; and the evaluation of methyl bromide alternatives. Maintaining vital relationships with key government contacts insures a smooth operation.
With over 17 years experience, Kurt’s detail oriented temperament is perfect for keeping track of and ensuring compliance with more than 17 different Federal, State and local agencies regulating the fumigation business. Kurt developed our state of the art safety and security program and is actively involved in various Homeland Security initiatives and committees.
For 26 years, Lou’s talent for understanding mechanical challenges, addressing them and executing innovative solutions has served our clients well. Lou works with USDA and the engineers to design and build equipment that results in efficiencies that benefit our clients. Western holds five separate mechanical patents.
For over 19 years, Dennis has been our log and tobacco specialist. He has worked with the USDA to set up the log and tobacco protocols that are used by fumigators throughout the country. His can do attitude and efficiencies mean superior service and savings for clients.
Prior to taking over our Baltimore operations, Michael spent 10 of his 22 years with Western as our Master Technician…”the go to guy” for challenging fumigations. Since his assignment to Baltimore, his hands on approach and total professionalism with USDA and customers has doubled the port’s efficiency to move cargo—and has resulted in USDA using Western’s facility as a training site.
For over 32 years, Barbara has led the Business Development team focusing on relationships, communication and participation…Relationships with clients, the port community, government agencies and organizations which enhance Western’s ability to serve. Understanding our clients’ needs and responding to trends, consistently position Western to be in the leadership role as the largest import/export fumigator in North America.
With Miriam’s unique combination of education, experience and foreign language skills, she has added depth and dimension to our international activities over the past 5 years. Whether clients wish to discuss their needs in Spanish, English, French or Portuguese, Miriam can assist with import/export or food safety and security issues.
George Bruns has been selling our service programs for more than 26 years. Working side by side with our operations team, he has a wealth of knowledge that he brings to every proposal. Understanding clients’ special needs; and coupling those with the skills and resources of our organization means clients get fast, effective results every time.
Debbie’s diverse marketing experience includes advertising, website development, promotional campaigns, sales collateral, trade shows, etc. Her main objective is developing strategic and comprehensive marketing programs for Western. As a member of the Fumigation team, she communicates the Western brand as well as the scope of our services to potential customers.
As the Fumigation Marketing Administrator, it falls to her to manage the myriad details that support the Business Development department. For over 13 years, Karen has demonstrated the organizational skills that reinforce client relationships and communications.
Since leaving USDA in 1984, Al has been an important contributor to Western’s clients. For over 23 years, his practical knowledge and relationships with government agencies has proven invaluable in special problem solving situations, challenging restrictive regulations and assisting in securing specialty import permits. Al also has an in-depth working knowledge of food irradiation and the USDA requirements as they pertain to irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment. During his 31-year career with USDA, he traveled the world, developed commodity quarantine techniques and treatments, and established the Chilean pre-clearance program.
For the past 4 years, Western has been proud to support the important work of Professor Zoffoli, in Chile. Completely dedicated to fruit quality issues, Prof. Zoffoli specializes in post-harvest physiology and technology, and is well recognized by the Chilean fruit export industry. Over the years he has worked closely with growers and exporters.