about the center: the staff

Dr. David Hahn is a Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at The Ohio State University. His primary research interest is in agricultural cooperatives, including their role as an alternative business structure in the production, processing and distribution of food and fiber products, and in rural development projects. Current projects include a study of farmer attitudes toward cooperative ownership; identification of key factors for the formation and success of emerging agricultural cooperatives; and alternative methods for financing cooperatives. Recent work has focused on new cooperative marketing arrangements for niche crops emerging from genetic modification. He and colleagues are also involved in projects using cooperatives for rural economic development and health service improvement. Dr. Hahn teaches courses in agricultural cooperatives and strategic agribusiness management. He currently is developing educational materials for training boards of directors, managers, employees and members of agricultural cooperatives. Dr. Dave Hahn received the Extension Award of Merit for his work with OCDC and dedicated to providing cooperative development services throughout Ohio.

Dr. Tom Snyder is the Program Manager of the OCDC and is dedicated to enhancing economic development in Ohio by establishing new cooperatives and strengthening existing cooperatives. Tom received his BA, MA, and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University and has administrative and instructional experiences at the college, adult education, and secondary education levels. His professional experiences include coordinating services for many local businesses. He has managed technical, career and adult education services in Ohio for over 35 years. This includes directing multi-county services for all secondary agriculture programs in Ross and Pickaway counties, Farm and Small Business Management programs for adults in a five county area, as well as a wide range of other career and business related training programs and services. Throughout his career he has actively participated as a member and officer on many state, regional and local boards and committees. In addition, he has been the managing partner of a private school and consulting business in Columbus, Ohio. Tom was born and raised on a farm in Clinton County Ohio and currently operates a small cattle operation in Ross County where he live with his wife and two daughters.