Vice President Regulatory Affairs, AgroSpheres, Inc.
CPDA Biopesticide Working Group, Regulatory Pathway & EPA Engagement Co-Chair

Karen Warkentien is the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for AgroSpheres, Inc., a startup focusing on bio-based agricultural solutions including microbially-derived biodegradable encapsulation and UV stability technology, and utilization of RNA interference to target and “turn off” specific genes in specific pests. Karen has four decades experience working in pesticide regulatory affairs with positions in government, consulting, and industry. Immediately before joining AgroSpheres, Karen was the Director, Regulatory Affairs, for Certis USA LLC (dba Certis Biologicals).

Other industry experience includes regulatory positions with BASF Corporation, Grace Biopesticides/Thermo Trilogy Corporation, and Makhteshim-Agan (America) Inc. Karen also served as a regulatory consultant with several firms including Lewis & Harrison LLC, Compliance Services International, Stewart Pesticide Registration Associates, and Jellinek, Schwartz, Connolly & Freshman. Karen began her career with a stint in the US EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs.

Karen has participated in numerous trade associations over the years, including CLA, CPDA, ACC Biocides Panel (now Center for Biocide Chemistries), BIO, and BPIA. Karen is a member of several working groups and workstreams at CPDA and is currently co-chair of the CPDA Biopesticide Working Group’s Regulatory Pathway and EPA Engagement Workstream.