Expertise and Resources
Sally Abbar, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist - Field Development
Expertise: Best practices for controlling German cockroaches, rodents, bedbugs and stored product pests.
Sally Abbar is responsible for new product and concept development in the Southeast region. She is an entomologist with extensive experience across pest management. Abbar specializes in both nonchemical and chemical control methods for urban and stored product pests.
Previously, Abbar was a postdoctoral research associate at Rutgers University where she investigated the management of bedbugs, German cockroaches and house mice in multiunit housing. She was also a postdoctoral fellow at Kansas State University where she studied the management of stored product pests.
Abbar earned her Ph.D. in entomology at Kansas State University and her Master of Science in entomology from Ferdowsi University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, singing and art.
James Cooksey
Area Sales Manager, South Florida and Caribbean
Expertise: Industry trends, innovation, growth and business operations in pest management.
James Cooksey helps his customers grow through the use of quality products that deliver exceptional control of target pests. He also assists pest control operators with efforts to train their teams, consults with owners on their visions for growth, and shares best practices to improve business operations.
Cooksey is passionate about innovation in pest management and the future of the industry. He grew up in a family pest control business in Florida and has developed his expertise through multiple experiences in the industry. Previously, Cooksey served as a distribution representative in Southeast Florida where he learned what drives value as a partner for growth.
Cooksey also serves as a Commander in the Florida Army National Guard, were he assists in protecting the citizens of Florida in time of tragedy and serving the orders of the governor of the state. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Wheaton College.
Alex Ko, Ph.D.
Product Development Manager
Expertise: Innovation, new product development and digital solutions in pest management.
Alex Ko drives new digital and chemistry solutions from concept to market launch. He supports innovation and development of insecticide baits, dusts and sprays.
Ko is passionate about data science and mobile application development. He programmed his own insect recognition mobile app and pest management reference guide.
Ko earned his Ph.D. in entomology from North Carolina State University where he studied German cockroach behavior and insecticide resistance for his dissertation. He is a passionate rock climber and mountaineer.
Matthew Remmen
Technical Market Development Manager
Expertise: Ant control, bedbugs and general pest management.
Matthew Remmen is an entomologist with expertise across all facets of pest management. He has extensive experience controlling bedbugs, termites and ants.
Remmen is particularly skilled in training and educating pest control professionals and technicians on best practices. He has been an instructor with the University of Florida for more than 10 years where he trains the next generation of pest management professionals.
Remmen earned both his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree in entomology from the University of Florida. In his spare time, he enjoys growing mangoes, fishing and hunting.
Gokhan Vergon
Head of Professional Pest Management
Expertise: Leadership, industry trends in pest management and business management.
A strong leader with a proven track record, Gokhan Vergon leads the Pest Management and Public Health business into the future.
Prior to his current role, Vergon established and led the Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa region of Envu Environmental Science. His leadership inspired and motivated the team to achieve sustainable growth across the region.
Vergon was also the head of the East Mediterranean region for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. His team helped countries in their fight against deadly diseases such as malaria and dengue by providing innovative solutions and increasing their technical capacity. Vergon earned an MBA from San Diego State University.
