dr. peggy perry and dr. robert flores bring experience

INTERIM CO-DIRECTORS OF INTERIM CO-DIRECTORS OF

EDUCATION ANNOUNCEDEDUCATION ANNOUNCED

Dr. Peggy Perry and Dr. Peggy Perry and Dr. Robert Flores Dr. Robert Flores Bring Experience, Bring Experience, Program Awareness Program Awareness and Mentoring Skills and Mentoring Skills to the Positionsto the Positions

h o r i z o n sCalifornia Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

SUMMER 2021

Growing leaders who make a difference.

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

SUMMER 2021 • www.agleaders.org

COVER STORY 6 Leadership Focus: New Directors of Education

FEATURES8 Strategic Planning Update

10 Alumni Perspective: Historical Connections

14 Book Recommendations

15 Book Club

16 Alumni Council Update

DEPARTMENTS2 Board Message

2 Calendar of Events

3 Foundation Message

4 Foundation News

18 Alumni & Fellows News

19 Donor Recognition

CALENDARAugust

5 Region 7 Mixer, Santa Ynez6 First Fridays Webinar12 Region 5 Lunch, King City 14 NorCal Ag Leadership Sporting Clay Shoot, Zamora26 Region 5 Lunch, Watsonville

September

29-30 Class 50 Seminar, San Rafael

October

1-2 Class 50 Seminar, San Rafael13-15 Class 51 Inaugural Seminar, Fresno24-31 Class 50 International Seminar: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic

November

1-6 Class 50 International Seminar: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic5 Dean Brown Golf Tournament, Santa Maria10-13 Class 51 Seminar, San Luis Obispo

December

7-10 Class 51 Seminar, Davis

CHAIR MESSAGE

As I wrote in the chairman’s message for the spring 2021 issue of Horizons, this year will be a shining star for the California Ag Leadership Program. The CALF board has kicked it into gear to make sure this happens. Although I have had the opportunity to be part of many strategic planning processes, I was a bit nervous about the idea of going through the process virtually. However, through the facilitation of Maura Mitchell at Brandology, the leadership of President and CEO Dwight Ferguson and Executive Vice President Abby Taylor-Silva (45), as well as input from many stakeholders, I can honestly say this is one of the most seamless and successful strategic plans I’ve ever been a part of. Thank you to all who

participated. Your input was invaluable. What we have all created collectively is a launching pad to what I know is going to make Ag Leadership strong, sustainable and forward thinking for many years to come.

I am most excited as your board chair to make sure that every decision we make as a foundation is reflective of our new values—integrity, excellence and respect. These values will drive our culture in the foreseeable future. Each critical issue of the strategic plan also had a common theme of mentorship, which I am excited to watch flourish within our foundation and its programs.

This spring we said goodbye to Jeff Elder as he stepped off the board. Jeff is the immediate past chair of our organization, but more importantly (to me) he was a member of my class (35). Jeff did amazing work while leading the organization. During his time on the board he was essential to the process of hiring of a new director of education. He also guided us through the challenges of managing the foundation’s priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, ushering the organization’s growth and leading the board and staff to ensure our endowment topped $25 million. His leadership will be greatly missed. Incredibly, Jeff led Ag Leadership following and living our new values set, even if he didn’t know it.

Jeff has also been a mentor. He likely wasn’t aware, and it wasn’t “active” mentorship, but he has been a mentor of mine since our days in Class 35. Jeff did what clearly came natural as a mentor, while not knowing he was mentoring. He always actively listened, challenged me (especially late nights in deep conversation at the after-hours watering hole during our time in the program), but most importantly, he always said “thanks.” I’m going to miss Jeff ’s presence, clear thought and quiet, yet strong leadership.

I challenge all our stakeholders to “act” like a mentor regularly. Mentorship comes in all shapes and sizes. Some will be formal and contractual and some will be casual. Most don’t even know they are mentoring. Live life like you are always mentoring. As in my case, Jeff had no clue he was a mentor, but I still learned every time we connected. As it has been said before, “When one person mentors, two lives are changed.”

Again, I want to give a special thank you to all our alumni, stakeholders and friends who made our strategic planning process so successful. Regardless of the times, you all stepped up to the plate to continue to perpetuate the greatness of the California Ag Leadership Foundation. I am most grateful to all of you. As always, if you have any issues, concerns or gratitudes to share, please reach out to me at [email protected].

The Value of MentorshipBY MICHAEL YOUNG (35)CHAIRMAN, CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021

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CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORSChair / Michael Young

Vice Chair / Cameron Boswell Secretary - Treasurer / Eugene Peterson

Past Chair / Loren BoothYissel BarajasKaren Caplan

Jason ColeCorreen Davis

Rob GoffMike Mendes

Dennis NefPaul Parreira

Emily Rooney

CALF STAFF President & CEO / Dwight Ferguson

Executive Vice President / Abby Taylor-Silva Financial Manager / Sharon Harney Programs Manager / Judy Sparacino

Development Coordinator / Emily LazzeriniAlumni Engagement Manager / Deanna van Klaveren

Exchange Programs Consultant / Darlene Din

WRITER/EDITORLiza Robertson

CONTRIBUTING WRITER/EDITORMeredith Rehrman Ritchie

DESIGNERTMDcreative

COVER STORY 6 Leadership Focus: New Directors of Education

FEATURES8 Strategic Planning Update

10 Alumni Perspective: Historical Connections

14 Book Recommendations

15 Book Club

16 Alumni Council Update

DEPARTMENTS2 Board Message

2 Calendar of Events

3 Foundation Message

4 Foundation News

18 Alumni & Fellows News

19 Donor Recognition

CALENDARAugust

5 Region 7 Mixer, Santa Ynez6 First Fridays Webinar12 Region 5 Lunch, King City 14 NorCal Ag Leadership Sporting Clay Shoot, Zamora26 Region 5 Lunch, Watsonville

September

29-30 Class 50 Seminar, San Rafael

October

1-2 Class 50 Seminar, San Rafael13-15 Class 51 Inaugural Seminar, Fresno24-31 Class 50 International Seminar: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic

November

1-6 Class 50 International Seminar: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic5 Dean Brown Golf Tournament, Santa Maria10-13 Class 51 Seminar, San Luis Obispo

December

7-10 Class 51 Seminar, Davis

UPDATED VALUES AND DEFINITIONS

FOUNDATION MESSAGE

The foundation’s recent strategic planning process provided us with a roadmap for increasing our impact on California agriculture. It also enabled us to update our mission, vision and value statements, identify specific and measurable goals, and clarify our critical priorities. I’m pleased with and proud of the work that’s been done, especially considering how many Ag Leadership stakeholders were involved. Nearly 400 alumni, board directors, CALF Education Team members, current and past staff, Class 50 fellows, ag industry leaders and friends contributed their time and talent throughout the process. The result of this process is a plan we can all believe in and use as a strategic filter when considering opportunities and conducting the foundation’s business. This is especially true for our updated values and corresponding definition statements, including those to the right.

We’ve had stated values at the foundation for years, but I believe they’ve never been as clearly defined as these. Perhaps not as timely either. You can read much more about our new strategic plan starting on page 8.

I’m sure you’ll also enjoy and appreciate this issue’s features on our new interim co-directors of education (who also contributed several pertinent book recommendations for this magazine), alumni perspectives as they relate to important historical experiences, an Alumni Council update and information about our new Leaders are Readers book club. Everyone associated with producing Horizons is committed to ensuring it reflects our foundation’s values. As always, please call me at (831) 585-1030 or send me a note at [email protected] if you have any comments or questions regarding the foundation.

Updated Values Provide a Roadmap for the Future

BY DWIGHT FERGUSONCALF PRESIDENT AND CEO

IntegrityWe demonstrate transparency and honesty to build trust

and foster alignment among all stakeholders.

ExcellenceWe embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and service at the highest level in all that we do, and we are

committed to delivering programs and services that are relevant, challenging and leading-edge.

RespectWe respect and value the dignity, humanity and diversity

of all, and demonstrate this in all we do.

SUMMER 2021 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

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Statewide Alumni Events and 50th Anniversary UpdateWe very much want to acknowledge our

50th anniversary, and plan to do so with a special commemorative directory this year. We had hoped to also have our in-person 50th anniversary celebration, but COVID-19 has made that infeasible. While we’d love to facilitate that event in 2021, we don’t believe it will be realistic this year due to the continuation of the pandemic. Instead, we plan to focus our attention on meeting the goals set in our strategic plan, one of which is an annual statewide event for alumni to reconnect. Our Alumni Council met in May and will meet again in November to work on tactics related to all of their strategic goals, including this one. We recognize the importance of providing opportunities for our alumni to connect in person, and we believe we will be able to facilitate such events beginning in 2022.

Class 50 to Resume In-Person SeminarsWe are excited to announce that Class 50 is scheduled to resume in-person seminars this fall, beginning with the San Rafael seminar in September. We are working with Sen.

Jim Nielsen (5) and state officials to do everything we can to make a visit to San Quentin possible. We are also planning for a full slate of speakers and presenters who can provide fellows with an impactful seminar as they come back together. In an effort to provide the best possible experience for everyone – while keeping safety as a top priority – we will continue to follow CDC guidelines and board determinations, as well as requirements set forth by venues, campuses, airlines and the countries we intend to visit.

Class 51 SelectionThe phase one and two application processes have ended and selection committees conducted interviews throughout the state in July. Thank you to everyone who helped identify, recruit and mentor candidates for the program. Due to your

efforts and the program’s continued influence, we are pleased to announce that we had a record number of applicants. Fellows will be announced this fall.

New Monterey Office Location for CALFIn order to facilitate our continued growth and be more accessible to our alumni, in July we moved our office to a location in Monterey. The change will give us more space to collaborate, the ability to host meetings and will also include a place for visiting alumni to

work. The new workspace will allow us to continue to meet the needs of the program, the foundation and our alumni as we begin work on the goals identified in our strategic plan, while ensuring that our fellows experience an exceptional program. If you are in the area, we welcome you to stop by for a visit!

CALF Director of Education Departs Foundation

CALF Director of Education Shelli Hendricks resigned from her position effective April 30. The change comes in order for Hendricks to provide support and care for her family in the Phoenix, Ariz. area.

Hendricks served CALF for more than two years, working directly with classes 48-50, and collaborating with the CALF Education Team

to navigate continued seminars and contingency planning throughout the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also guided the foundation’s reintroduction of alumni learning activities.

“We are very appreciative for the working relationship we enjoyed with Shelli, and her contributions to our programs. We are certain she will continue to have an important impact in the field of leadership development throughout her career, and we are grateful to her for having shared her talents with our foundation these past two years,” said Dwight Ferguson.

Dr. Peggy Perry (9) and Dr. Robert Flores have been named interim co-directors of education for CALF. Read more about the transition on page 6.

Jeff Elder Steps Down After 13 Years of Service to CALF

Jeff Elder (35) announced this spring that he would be stepping down from the CALF board of directors. Elder joined the board in 2008 and served in many capacities, including as chairman and most recently as immediate past chair. As a board member, he was involved in the 2010 strategic planning process and supported the strategic alignment process with the Alumni

Council in 2015 and 2016. He has also been a generous supporter of alumni activities and hosted many Alumni Council meetings. We are grateful for his support of Ag Leadership and thank him for his many years of service.

First FridaysAlumni learning opportunities are an important component of the education that the foundation is proud to produce and provide. In 2019, CALF reinstated alumni learning opportunities, beginning with First Fridays sessions for alumni and current fellows. These webinars focus on discussion of complex topics that link back to current class curriculum. We hope you will join us for our upcoming First Fridays!

Aug. 6 | 12 p.m. | Understanding the Importance and Nature of ChangeDuring this intriguing session, Dr. Lattore will present on the nature of personal and organizational change.

Sept. 3 | 12 p.m. | Historical Leadership Lessons: The Good and the Bad We will be drawing from examples of leadership gone awry and show what is missing from Dr. Pat Lattore’s Diamond Model of Leadership. Alumni will engage in reviewing examples with insight from Dr. Lattore.

5050

5151

NEW Address

80 garden cOURt

suite 270

Monterey, CA 93940

FOUNDATION NEWS


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FOUNDATION NEWS


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COVER STORY

BY ABBY TAYLOR-SILVA (45), CALF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTAND LIZA ROBERTSON

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Peggy Perry (9) and Dr. Robert Flores have been named interim co-directors of education for the California Ag Leadership Foundation (CALF). With more than 50 years combined engagement on the CALF Education Team (Ed Team), Perry and Flores bring substantial experience, program awareness and mentoring skills to the positions. Their new roles began on May 1, 2021 to coincide with the departure of former Director of Education Shelli Hendricks. Perry will also continue her role as coach to all program fellows.

During this interim period, which is expected to last until Feb. 28, 2023 to coincide with the commencement of Class 51, Programs Manager Judy Sparacino and I will also take on additional roles. I will oversee development of the national and international seminars, with the guidance and support of the Ed Team. Sparacino will build upon her current role related to selection and program support. As part of their roles, Perry and Flores will eventually help to guide the selection of a new director of education.

“We are very fortunate to have Peggy and Bob join our team in these new roles during such a critical and transformative time for the foundation,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “We are on the cusp of finalizing a strategic plan that will help sustain our fellowship program well into the future, so we may continue to grow leaders who make a difference. Peggy and Bob have the unique skill sets needed to ensure our program, the most critical component of the foundation, is nurtured and given what it needs to achieve excellence.”

Perry is a professor emeritus at Cal Poly Pomona, and has spent her career teaching in the fields of plant science and leadership. Her teaching specialties have included California native plant materials, culinary produce, women in agriculture, leadership development and various issues related to agricultural literacy. Her research has focused on faculty vitality, institutional leadership and adult development. Perry is a Class 9 alum and has been a member of the Ed Team since 1986. She has also led the coaching element of the program for the past 10 years.

Flores recently retired from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo after a 37-year career in higher education. He joined Cal Poly in 1983 after teaching high school for five years. At Cal Poly, he served as a department head and professor in the Agricultural Education and Communication Department. Flores has been a member of the Ed Team for nearly 25 years and served as director of education from 1997 to 2000. He has also served as a presenter on the topics of preferential behavior, learning styles and values programming. In retirement, Flores continues in his role as a member of the Ed Team. Additionally, he is a member of the San Luis Obispo County Medical Service Corp and a co-advisor to the Latinos in Agriculture student organization at Cal Poly.

Reflections and Looking Ahead: Q&A With Ag Leadership’s Co-Directors of Education

Q: How has the program evolved? Dr. Perry: The most significant change over the years, from my perspective, is the shift from a curriculum that was primarily about broadening perspectives and teaching skills to one that focuses on the self. While there are still many pieces that encourage an expanded view and there are skills developed, such as public speaking and managing difficult conversations, there is much more time spent on developing self-awareness in the individual, as well as support to make positive changes and increase influence. This makes for an experience that is potentially transformative, rather than only broadening.

Dr. Flores:The evolution from my perspective began with Class 28. A deep dive into the curriculum took place as I was beginning my association with the organization. Tim LaSalle (6), the foundation’s president and CEO at the time, also served in the capacity of director of education. He brought core faculty from the partner institutions as well as other influencers together to do a “deep dive” into the curriculum and try to coordinate the various segments. As I understand it, it was the first time the faculty representatives from each of the universities devoted uninterrupted time together in fitting the various pieces together, almost as if it was a puzzle. The result was a much more coordinated curriculum.


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CALF Announces Interim Co-Directors of Education

The second evolution during my tenure occurred when Bob Gray became president and CEO. It was quite evident that enhancements to the program were necessary. New self-assessments were introduced, and the dream of including coaching as a part of the fellowship experience became a reality. The leadership program length was also adjusted at this time to honor the advice and wishes of stakeholders.

The result of the 2021 strategic planning exercise is inevitably further refinements to the program. Program evolution has been constant, and the major changes I have witnessed over the years have served this program and its participants well!

Q: What have the most impactful seminars been for you in your time with the program? Dr. Perry:There are so many! Most of my recollections are in snapshots. I have special memories of the finale dinners at the end of international seminars. These are poignant opportunities for fellows to recognize, from afar, gratitude for the lives they lead at home, and to reflect on how their travels have impacted them. In addition, I have met so many people—some better-known, such as Father Greg Boyle and Sister Libby—but many others not known outside of their communities—both in the U.S. and around the world—who live a life of service and compassion for others. I am inspired by their selflessness and the way they are grounded in their values. Through these and other experiences, I feel very fortunate to have “gone through Ag Leadership” many times over the years. There is always more to learn.

Dr. Flores:The travel seminars have consistently been impactful for me because of how they are integrated into the overall program. These seminars provide an opportunity for fellows to practice what they have learned in unfamiliar environments. The reflections and dialogue that follows is precious. Any time you get a group of aspiring leaders traveling together, you are bound to encounter a variety of learning experiences. The content and the sites being visited are critical to the success of the program, but the mere fact that you have a cohort of people experiencing the same thing at the same time with varied outcomes and takeaways is very telling. The fellows get to interact with one another as they encounter people in a “real world” situation. Traveling together can bring out the best in people. There have been so many times when I have witnessed behaviors that aligned with the leadership instruction.

Traveling together also tries the mental and physical abilities of each and every individual. There have been times when I have watched issues arise while traveling, and fellows have come to the rescue. I recall such incidents in Mali, India, Tibet, Zambia, Peru, Bolivia and other places. Altitude, heat, cramped quarters in a train, prolonged travel with minimal movement, and other situations could have easily destroyed the travel experience for many. However, leadership behaviors always seemed to emerge to save the day. In most every case, the fellows engaged in deep reflection of what transpired and exchanged with each other the learning that took place. I must also acknowledge that many times the learning took place on American soil. There were many a struggle as groups traveled nationally. The only difference was that we were closer to home.

Q: What keeps you inspired to continue working with new classes? Dr. Perry:I’m always motivated by the discovery process with new participants. Learning about their personal stories, the things they have in common with others and the things that make them unique and special. In the coaching work, I enjoy bringing feedback from our various instruments to a fellow and helping them accept their gifts and capabilities, along with guiding them to address things that will help them be more effective in their personal and professional lives. It is a rare privilege to walk alongside a person on their individual journey.

Dr. Flores:It was Dr. Joe Sabol (one of the original campus coordinators!) who introduced me to the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Little did I know that my first experiences with this group was a part of his succession planning. I have always been inspired by him. He started working with the program in 1972 and continues his involvement with the organization to this day. I am inspired by his actions. I am also inspired by the team of professionals who make up the Education Team. And, finally, I am inspired by the interactions I have with fellows. Hanging around with accomplished and aspiring leaders is very

rewarding!

Q: What do you look forward to doing in the coming 18 months as interim co-director of education?Dr. Perry:First, I look forward to working with Dr. Flores. For years, by his example, he has taught me so much about being present and staying attuned to the needs of others. Second, I look forward to working with the new leadership of the foundation and bringing my history with the program to the transition process. Third, I am very excited about the strategic plan that has recently been approved by the board. It is

ambitious and far-reaching and I feel great energy in board members and alumni who are anxious to begin carrying it out. Fourth, I look forward to working with Class 50 as they work toward the conclusion of their unusual fellowship experience. And, of course, welcoming Class 51 to the Ag Leadership family.

Dr. Flores:I look forward to working as part of a team in delivering a quality program to members of Class 50 and Class 51. Abby Taylor-Silva (45), Dr. Perry and I are working directly with the rest of the Education Team from the four universities in developing seminars that inspire and educate the fellows. Working as a member of this team as a co-director of education provides me an opportunity to provide input as we address the parts of the strategic plan associated with the leadership program. I’m looking forward to the enhancements generated from those discussions and witnessing the initial impacts of the adjustments to an already outstanding leadership program.

COVER STORY

“WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO

HAVE PEGGY AND BOB JOIN

OUR TEAM IN THESE NEW ROLES

DURING SUCH A CRITICAL AND

TRANSFORMATIVE TIME.”

- DWIGHT FERGUSON


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The purpose of strategic planning is

to set overall goals for your business

or organization and develop a plan to

achieve them. It requires stepping back

from day-to-day operations and asking

where things are or should be headed

and what your priorities should be.

This was our intent when we initiated

a new strategic planning process in

January.

It was also our intent to involve as many foundation stakeholders as possible. We had hundreds of contacts, including survey responses, interviews and priority team participation from constituents like our board of directors, alumni, Education Team members, staff, Class 50 fellows and multiple industry leaders. Feedback from these individuals has enabled us to create a plan which can now be summarized in the graphic on the following page.

Due to the involvement of so many, we’re confident this plan will provide a successful roadmap for our near term future and ultimately, help us enhance our impact on California agriculture. Combined with the tactics and metrics staff has since added to it, the plan will direct our priorities and activities for years to come. All of us at CALF are excited about the possibilities associated with this plan!

FEATURE STORY

“The strategic planning process took a broad brush across classes, educators, age groups, stakeholders and alumni to update and refine the direction and strategy of CALF. This inclusion brought together ideas, tactics, suggestions and direction such that we keep an eye on the future and plan for it rather than get lost in the dust of yesterday.”-Holly King (24)

“What excites me most about this strategic plan is that it was developed by a diverse group of stakeholders through an engaging and collaborative process. The plan, with its tangible goals and strategies, is one that we can all proudly stand by and support. I am excited for the future of the Ag Leadership Program and its impact, which because of this work, will multiply and be lasting.”-Jazmin Lopez (48)

“The California agribusiness industry will continue to evolve given many forces. This includes growing global markets, regulatory, water, labor impacts, innovative technologies and growing demand for enhanced sustainability in how and what we produce to supply the world. I’m excited about the strategic plan for the California Ag Leadership Foundation, which provides increased investment in our curriculum, our fellows and alumni to further unite and grow leaders in agriculture. I’m confident these strategic investments will result in growing strong leaders, which in turn will further position, unite and strengthen California agriculture in the years ahead!”-Gene Peterson, CALF Board of Directors

Strategic Planning UpdateBY CALF PRESIDENT AND CEO DWIGHT FERGUSON

Holly King (24)

Gene Peterson

Jazmin Lopez

Holly King


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Mission: Growing leaders who make a difference

Vision: Leaders united to strengthen California agriculture and sustainably supply the world

Values: Integrity, excellence, respect

Key Performance Indicators

Number of qualified applicants | Qualitative results of program Alumni engaged with foundation | Brand/foundation awareness

Revenue by category

Financial Strength

• Expand our knowledge of best practice fundraising strategies and tactics

• Execute segment-specific fundraising strategies to keep donors engaged

• Establish a specific approach to communicate giving back expectations to fellows

• Determine how to measure and communicate return on investment via a value proposition

• Develop new revenue sources via partnerships and product development

Marketing and Communications

• Understand what type of communication alumni, donors and other stakeholders want

• Perform a comprehensive brand refresh

• Create marketing that highlights alumni and shares stories of their positive impact

• Develop customized marketing to target each stakeholder segment

Alumni Engagement

• Understand more about our alumni

• Sustain and grow lifelong learning opportunities

• Optimize communication, collaboration and connection between the foundation, Alumni Council and alumni

• Facilitate relationships between alumni and related organizations

• Tell a story that sets clear expectations for giving, makes the ask and provides tools for alumni to ask others to contribute

Education/Curriculum

• Create a comprehensive curriculum plan

• Fully integrate the existing D.C. and CA Exchange programs into the foundation

• Evaluate ways to have more impact through partnerships and other means

• Address staffing levels, plus develop succession plan to ensure program quality, continuity and educational program expansion

Fellow Selection

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential fellows

• Establish clear baseline attributes for applicants and consistent selection criteria

• Create a selection process/materials that lead to class diversity

• Create a step-by-step selection process with documentation that can be followed consistently and evolved annually

FEATURE STORY

Strategic Plan OVERVIEW


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FEATURE STORY

Mike Fitch, Class 3International Seminar: Taiwan, Phillipines, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan / 1975Historical Connection: Traveling to China shortly after normalization of relations

When Class 3 fellows traveled to China in 1975 for their international seminar, they were one of the first five American groups to enter the country after the normalization of relations with the United States. Due to logistical reasons, only 20 individuals were allowed to travel with Class 3—19 fellows and Dean Brown—for the China portion of the seminar. Mike Fitch was part of the group and recalls they were at first apprehensive about traveling to China and fearful they would be severely restricted. However, once they arrived they felt comfortable in the country and found their hosts to be very amenable. The group’s request to visit people’s homes and farms was respected and they were surprised by what they found.

Q: What did you learn about China during your international travel seminar?The trip was a surprise in many regards. First of all, the fact that we were able to be accepted into China was incredible. We learned that the primary reason we were allowed in was because they were thirsty and anxious to hear about agriculture in the United States and in particular in California. They asked a number of pertinent questions and I felt it was a good dialogue.

They were very industrious people and, frankly, they were much healthier than anticipated based on what we knew about communist governments. I felt their best ambassadors were the children we met. They were all seemingly very happy and healthy. I came away with the impression that they were pretty content with communist rule and the idea of letting government make their decisions for them because we found that the basics were taken care of.

At the same time, I felt there were small indications that they did miss their freedom. The Chinese government felt everyone was equal, but in reality, the individuals were trying to be unique. The clothing was all black and the same, but every once in awhile, we would find someone wearing something that set them apart. The bicycles were all identical too, but some tried to make theirs unique. We came away with the feeling that they still did want some freedom, individuality and individual respect.

Q: What lessons did you draw from the experience?We all, including the Chinese and Americans, share some common needs and wants. If we can open our hearts and ears to one another, it’s amazing the communications we enjoy. Coming from very conservative backgrounds, I think we felt that these people were so far different from us, that there was no way we could communicate, but we found just the opposite.

Q: How did traveling to China change your perspective?I think it made me more open to everyone. I’ve subsequently been fortunate to have been involved in a number of trips with the People to People International Foundation. The organization was developed by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower who believed that the real avenue to world peace was to get people together one-on-one. The experience in China helped prepare me for those types of exchanges. To be able to sit down with people from all backgrounds and experiences was very meaningful. I found that those people I met had a lot of the same wants and needs that I did.

Q: What is your advice to leaders?As with all communications, the paramount ingredient has to be to listen intently and hear the other person’s perspective. At the same time, you need to be sure they listen to your

perspective too. If you first sincerely ask and listen for their perspectives, it opens them up and it opens you up as well. I found that people were much more comfortable with us if we first listened instead of immediately wanting to state our position.

Q: What is the most powerful lesson you learned from Ag Leadership?I feel that having been raised in agriculture and having had all of my career in agriculture, the tendency has been, and to a certain extent still is, that the urban community doesn’t understand us in agriculture. Through Ag Leadership I learned I wasn’t doing a tremendous job trying to understand people first. We can be much more effective by first listening and recognizing that others too have problems that we need to be considerate of.

Q: What was the most impactful lesson you had during the program?Public speaking. If anyone had told me when I left the ranch that I would ever be a public speaker, I would have said “there’s no way on Earth.” Ag Leadership gave me the confidence and practical experience I needed. I was able to go on and speak quite often to large groups. I owe all that to Ag Leadership.

Alumni Perspective: HistoriCal ConnectionsBY LIZA ROBERTSON

“WE ALL SHARE SOME COMMON

NEEDS AND WANTS. IF WE CAN

OPEN OUR HEARTS AND EARS TO

ONE ANOTHER, IT’S AMAZING THE

COMMUNICATIONS WE ENJOY.”

-MIKE FITCH (3)


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UNDERSTANDING OTHERS = OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEACE

“MOTHER TERESA TOUCHED MY SOUL.”

-TIM DRISCOLL (19)

Tim Driscoll, Class 19International Seminar: Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Singapore / 1990Historical Connection: Meeting Mother Teresa

While traveling for Class 19’s international seminar, Tim Driscoll knew to expect an incredible journey, but what he left with was life changing. While in India, he credits his visit with Mother Teresa as being “the single most amazing experience.” Prior to meeting Mother Teresa, the fellows were warned that she was not a tourist attraction and that if there was even a chance of meeting her, they literally had work to do first. So they began with spending half a day caring for terminal patients in a hospital. As the individuals came in, fellows were told to change bedding, provide basic care as best they could and keep the patients company. The fellows also spent time at an orphanage where they interacted with and helped care for the very young children in the home.

Q: What did you learn about Mother Teresa during your international seminar?For the sake of her great humanity and caring, I have to say that she was more clear about what it is to love another human being than anyone I have ever met or known. Mother Teresa’s humanitarian work began when she and three fellow nuns found a man literally laying in the gutter in Calcutta. She knelt down in the street and began to care for him. When he asked why she was helping him, she said “because I love you.” And she meant it in the most profound of terms at a depth that you and I have never dreamt to understand what that meant.

It was incredible to see what she was causing to be done by her presence. It was a life’s work that she was orchestrating. I looked at her—I wouldn’t call her frail—but it was extraordinary to see the power that one woman has. When I had the opportunity to shake her hand, it was incredible. Her hand fit so perfectly into mine. It was an amazing sensation. And the smile on that woman was amazing. She was extraordinary, she was amazing. It was something I will never forget. Absolutely life changing. No questions in my mind, it had an earthquake effect on me then and it still affected me later on.

Q: What impact did the experience have on you?What came out of it was a program that I was inspired to create after meeting with Mother Teresa. Ag Against Hunger is a nonprofit organization based in Salinas that collects surplus produce from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz county growers and served states throughout the West Coast.

The first year we hit 400,000 pounds of fresh produce and now we distribute approximately 12 million pounds of fresh produce each year. We secured donations and grants to make the program work. Agriculture has always been kind to its community. We’ve always taken care of the people in our community that needed it the most. It’s that kind of heart that lives long and sound in the culture of agriculture in this country and in every agriculturist.

Q: How did meeting Mother Teresa impact you?Mother Teresa touched my soul.

Q: How did meeting Mother Teresa change your perspective?She gave my perspective new direction. The experience gave my perspective more of an involvement with my heart and not just my mind.

The ability to see what she was capable of was incredible. What you think you can’t do, yes you can and don’t ever forget it.

When I step back and look at the whole of meeting her and going to the hospital and the orphanage, as much as we describe the love, the caring, the passion, there’s also an element of reality that has to be included in our goals—the burden of the budget. Mother Teresa was able to manage the reality of what she was accomplishing. She had her hands in every single piece of it. If we forget those things, we fail.

Q: What is the most powerful lesson you learned from Ag Leadership?I think the realization of “I’m no longer who I was” and that my efforts to try and be something else and be something more was somewhat of a fool’s errand and the importance of simple things, honest things, loving things, is the most important thing for me. That came to me in all forms of things that moved me—sometimes to tears—throughout the program.

Q: What is something you learned from the program that you still carry with you today?It’s tough to sift it all out because there’s so much. When you’re in Ag Leadership, you come away from the program knowing you can call any of your fellow classmates and they will immediately respond. That really summarizes it so much. One of the things that I’m most proud of is the amazing people with whom I shared that experience.

Q: What is your advice to leaders in relation to helping others?Just do it. Don’t hesitate, don’t think about it. Just do it. We have great ideas, we think about them, we get distracted and then we don’t do it. So just do it. When you think about Mother Teresa and what she did, nothing is too big, nothing is too far, nothing is too hard that the best efforts won’t succeed.

FEATURE STORY


11

THE SINGLE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE

FEATURE STORY

“THERE WAS A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY, BUT WE WERE

ABLE TO GET THROUGH IT TOGETHER.”

-BILL ADAMS (32)

Bill Adams, Class 32National Seminar: Washington, D.C., Indiana, Missouri / 2002Historical Connection: Traveling after Sept. 11

The first time Bill Adams and his fellow classmates traveled after Sept. 11 was for their national seminar in the spring of 2002—six months after four coordinated terrorist attacks hit the East Coast. Adams recalls that because the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) procedures were still in flux, everything took longer and every airport was following a different set of protocols. When they arrived in Washington, D.C., there was a visible level of heightened security. The fellows of Class 32 were one of the first groups to go into the Pentagon after the attacks. Seeing where the plane hit the building was an experience that Adams describes as deeply meaningful.

Q: How did traveling for the national seminar after Sept. 11 impact you?It made us all a lot more aware of our freedom. Being in Washington, D.C. after something like that, we had a lot of meaningful experiences through meetings with high-level politicians, including Nancy Pelosi. Learning and talking about Sept. 11 was a big part of everything we did during the national seminar. If it had just been a normal year, we wouldn’t have had a lot of those experiences.

The Supreme Court was one of the most interesting things we did—going into there was surreal. We met with Justice Scalia and he explained to us that the U.S. Constitution is not a living breathing document that changes—that was the biggest takeaway from that meeting. He was really strong in his convictions that we can’t just change the U.S. Constitution based on how people are thinking today.

Q: During the program what were the lessons you learned related to the events of Sept. 11?The biggest lesson was to not take your freedom for granted.

Q: What’s one takeaway from your time in Ag Leadership that you’d like to share?It’s a big commitment to leave your spouse and your family and your job. But one thing I realized was to not be selfish. When I got back I realized that although I had been traveling and had just had these incredible experiences, I needed to focus on the people that I was coming back to and focus on their needs. I learned to be sympathetic to the people who were taking care of everything for me while I was gone.

Q: What is something from the program that you still carry with you today?The ability to communicate and network not just with classmates, or other Ag Leadership folks who have been through the program. The ability to get up in front of people and communicate effectively was a big part of my experience. We had so many diverse experiences from traveling in general and seeing different perspectives. We did so many things I would’ve never experienced in my life. There were so many great experiences.

Q: What is your advice to leaders during times of crisis?Stay positive.


12

STAY

POSITIVE

AWARENESS OF OUR FREEDOM

FEATURE STORY

Missy Gable, Class 40International Seminar: Turkey and Israel / 2011Historical Connection: The Arab Spring

Originally planning to visit Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia in March of 2011, the fellows of Class 40 had to be flexible when it became evident their plans would have to change. In December 2010, due to the Arab Spring, the Tunisia portion of the international seminar was canceled. Soon after in January 2011, the Egyptian Revolution began and there was uncertainty amongst the fellows as to whether or not they would be traveling at all. Those associated with the program were determined to provide Class 40 with a meaningful international seminar experience. Plans were adjusted and the fellows traveled to Turkey and Israel in March.

Q: How did Class 40’s international seminar affect you? I look back now and while I recall a lot of uncertainty, I also recall the positive attitudes of both the fellows and Ag Leadership personnel. I think Director of Education Dr. Michael Thomas provided exceptional leadership during this time. He modeled a positive attitude that we all adopted. He also openly communicated his excitement about the changes to our trip and his willingness to be flexible. Ultimately, I think everyone traveling left with a sense of adventure, an inquisitive mind and agreement that we’d find and create an amazing experience amidst the unexpected. I’m grateful for the leadership I experienced at the time. I credit modeling behavior and attitude to creating a fantastic educational seminar for Class 40. The experience was an invaluable lesson to me over the years and especially during 2020.

Q: How did traveling during the Arab Spring change your perspective? Class 40’s theme was “finding common ground” and that theme resonated throughout our international experience. The Arab Spring started with revolutionaries looking to affect widespread change, including free elections and democracy. Democracy is rule by the people; a system where the morals and values of leaders are in line with that of the population. I think you can look at democracy as a mode of ensuring common ground between elected officials and those who put them in power. It was incredible to see the power of common ground in practice during our international seminar.

Q: What is the most powerful lesson you learned from Ag Leadership? I was sitting at our orientation event, intimidated by the professionals surrounding me, and Dr. Charlie Crabb was sharing the importance of setting aside our work to lean into our Ag Leadership experience while we were attending our seminars. He shared with us that “you’ll get out of this exactly what you put into it.” I knew that saying and had certainly received the same advice in the past. I’m not sure I internalized just how important that guidance was until we were in our second or third seminar. It became abundantly clear that if I truly valued the experience I was getting, I would need to dedicate my time and all of my attention to the program. I watched my fellow classmates, true captains of industry, stop multi-tasking and really immerse themselves in our shared experience. We held one another to this expectation of full immersion and I credit that to the strength of our class and our connections with one another.

Q: What is something you learned from the program that you still carry with you today? A leader needs to be willing to stand up and take action, whether or not they feel completely prepared to do so. As a leader, I know I need to be ready and willing to make introductions, find connections, manage a room, make strategic decisions and more on any given day. Ag Leadership taught me to stand up to my own insecurities and self-doubt, to speak with confidence, shake hands like you mean it and see your leadership role as a way to care deeply about an organizational mission and the people behind it.

Q: What is your advice to leaders in times of turmoil?When leading during turmoil, open communication is key. Be available, be willing to listen, be ok with not having all the answers and communicating that. When we practice giving grace to others, they are more likely to give grace back to us.

“I’M GRATEFUL FOR THE LEADERSHIP

I EXPERIENCED AT THE TIME. THE

EXPERIENCE WAS AN INVALUABLE

LESSON TO ME OVER THE YEARS AND

ESPECIALLY DURING 2020.”

-MISSY GABLE (40)


13

ADOPTED A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

OPEN COMMUNICATION

IS KEY

RECOMMENDED BY...WE ASKED CALF’S NEW CO-DIRECTORS OF EDUCATION

FOR THEIR BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS.

“The Courage Way: Leading and Living with Integrity” - by Center for Courage & Renewal and

Shelly L. FrancisThis book focuses on the “inner journey” of leadership and

illustrates that leadership requires courage. Key ingredients to build courage are identified, the most fundamental being trust.

“Building the Bridge as You Walk on It: A Guide for Leading Change”

- by Robert E. QuinnBy the author of “Deep Change,” this book goes deeper into the

concept by defining a new model of leadership—“the fundamental state of leadership”—and describing eight practices that center on

the theme of ever-increasing integrity.

“Principle-Centered Leadership”- by Stephen R. Covey

Building upon the ideas in “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” this book addresses an approach to working from a

principle-centered core both personally and in organizations. The concept is applied both at home and at work.

“The Wisest One in the Room: How You Can Benefit from Social Psychology’s Most Powerful Insights”

- by Thomas Gilovich and Lee RossThe authors explore the results of social psychology research that

can help us become “wise” about why people behave the way they do and how we can use that information to understand and influence

the people in our life.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMM

END

ED BY DR. PEGGY PERRY (9)


14

LEADERS ARE READERS BOOK CLUBWe are thrilled to announce the launch of a CALF book club for alumni. We will release a new book every three months, with book club members receiving advance notice of the latest titles.

The first session featured “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown. The book shares about “wholehearted living,” telling your story and the importance of leading with authenticity and worthiness. The second session’s title will be released in August.

Book club members will also receive a reading package for each book, which includes a reading guide sheet created by the Alumni Learning Team and reviewed by the CALF Education Team, an integration index, a link to resources and links to purchase the book.

Book Club Membership Details

• $100 per year (four book club opportunities)*• Includes a reading package for each book• Priority scheduling for book club sessions• Book club goodie kit

Individual Book Club Sessions

• $50 per session*• Includes a reading package for each book• Opportunity to participate in the book club session

*Book purchased separately

To Register

Contact Alumni Engagement Manager Deanna van Klaveren (32) at [email protected] or (209) 765-2476.

“The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless

Organizations”- by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom

This book offers examples of leaders who while working independently of one another have achieved significant accomplishments.

The title contrasts the difference with the appendages of the spider and the starfish,

using this as an analogy. If the leg is cut from a spider, it will die. If the starfish loses a leg, it grows a new one and the leg could develop

into a new starfish.

“The Warmth of Other Suns”- by Isabel Wilkerson

This is a well-documented historical account of the great migration. It is full of leadership

lessons. The book is about black citizens migrating from the South to northern and

western refuges in hopes of finding a better life.

“Leading from Within”- by Sam M. Intrator and Megan Scribner

This is a collection of poetry by a variety of leaders. It not only includes poetry, but

provides commentary from the leaders/poets.

IF YOU HAVE A BOOK TO SHARE,

PLEASE SEND YOUR RECOMMENDATION TO

[email protected]

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS


15

RECOMM

END

ED

BY DR. ROBERT FLORES

Alumni Council UPDATEBY STEVE DODGE (49), ALUMNI COUNCIL CHAIR

ALUMNI COUNCIL

THANK YOU TO OUTGOING ALUMNI COUNCIL LEADERS

THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING REGIONAL DIRECTORS FOR THEIR SERVANT LEADERSHIP. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THEM FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE FOUNDATION AND OUR ALUMNI.

After a year of remote calls and virtual planning, the Alumni Council (AC) is looking forward to getting back to in-person meetings. The October meeting in Clovis will be our first time bringing the group together since February 2020. With Ag Leadership’s new strategic plan set in motion, the AC is ready to do what it can to help the vision become a reality. We will be meeting throughout the next few months, culminating with a retreat in November.

We are so grateful for all of the hard work of the past regional directors and executive team during the uncertain times at the beginning of the pandemic. Thank you to Rachelle Antinetti (42) and Bill Van Skike (32) for their servant leadership and support. Thank you also to Chase Hurley (35) for his leadership by guiding and supporting the exchange programs over the past decade. I am so excited for the new team members joining us and the energy everyone is putting forward to begin a new normal. As a team, we are excited to create more engagement and inclusivity to alumni across the state. Look to your email, social media and mailboxes as we send out information about the new opportunities. As COVID-19 taught us all, it truly takes a village.

Upwards and beyond!

Bill Van Skike (32), Board Liaison Bill served on the AC for many years as a regional director, sergeant-at-arms, vice chair, chair and finally as board liaison. He was also a part of strategic planning in 2002, strategic alignment in 2015-2016 and a D.C. Exchange supporter and volunteer.

Manpreet Bains (43), Region 3 DirectorManpreet will now be stepping into her new role as CALF Education Team liaison.

Rob Goff (45), Region 8 DirectorRob will now begin his role as a member of CALF’s board of directors.

Ted Grether (47), Region 9 DirectorTed will continue to serve as a regional director until October.

Rachelle Antinetti (42), Vice ChairRachelle served on the AC as a regional director and vice chair and supported the policy and procedure revision project.She also helped the AC set in place the structure and many of the processes used today. As a servant leader, she helped to provide many lifelong learning opportunities to alumni and was instrumental in helping to guide AC transitions over the years. In 2019 she traveled with Class 49 fellows on their international seminar to Russia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.


16

NEW REGIONAL DIRECTORS SELECTEDIn March we began our process of identifying new AC regional directors for Regions 3, 8 and 9. Following a request for nominations, AC Chair Steve Dodge (49) personally reached out to all who had been nominated to discuss the position and to share his appreciation to everyone for stepping up. Due to there being no contest for any of the positions, the AC approved the placement of all three nominated alumni as directors in their respective regions.

Tom Merwin (44), Region 3Tom is a seventh-generation farmer in the Sacramento Valley. He manages the day-to-day operations of his family farm and vineyards in Clarksburg, where they specialize in growing wine grapes. Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts in international relations from UC Davis. He currently serves as president of the Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association. In 2014, Tom founded Ogilvie Merwin Vintners, a wine company that

focuses on crafting quality wines from the Clarksburg region.

“I look forward to serving as a sounding board for local alumni to give feedback about the foundation and program and deliver said feedback to the Alumni Council. To me, part of being a regional director is communicating what is going on in the region to the Alumni Council, as well as communicating important information regarding news, updates and/or requests that pertain to the foundation.”

Lucas Espericueta (45), Region 8Lucas has worked at Farm Credit West for 10 years and is a vice president for the agricultural lender. He comes from a family of farmers and custom harvesters in Kern County. He serves on the Kern County Fair’s board of directors and is treasurer of the Kern County Farm Bureau. After graduating from the program, Lucas participated in D.C. Exchange for two years—traveling

to Washington, D.C. for the interview process each time. Lucas and his wife, Candice, have two sons (Owen, 7 and Luke, 20 months) and are expecting another child in August.

“I love agriculture—the virtue of the pursuit of growing food/fiber, the hard work, the people, the heritage and the finances of it all. I enjoy meeting people and getting buy-in to further the interest of agriculture by those in the industry.”

Luis Calderon (49), Region 9Luis works for Reiter Affiliated Companies, where he has served in several roles, including human resources specialist, workers’ compensation specialist and as a farming operations manager. He graduated from California Lutheran University (CLU) with a Bachelor of Science in small business/entrepreneurship. He also attained a master’s degree in business administration at CLU. In October, he was elected to serve on

the board of directors for the Ventura County Farm Bureau. Lucas and his wife, Lupe, have two sons, Alfredo and Owen. Luis will step into his new role fully in October 2021.

“As a recent graduate of the California Ag Leadership Program, my goal is to stay involved and connected. During the program I learned, saw and appreciated all the work that went on behind the scenes and the support given by alumni. This inspired me to give back.”

ALUMNI COUNCIL

ALUMNI COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERSChair: Steve Dodge (49)Vice Chair: Heather Mulholland (44)Board Liaison: Jason Cole (42)

REGIONAL DIRECTORSRegion 1: Kelly Mora (48)Region 2: Taylor Serres (49)Region 3: Tom Merwin (44)Region 4: Matt Toste (41)Region 5: James Ewart (49)Region 6: Ian LeMay (48)Region 7: Anthony Bozzano (43)Region 8: Lucas Espericueta (45)Region 9: Outgoing, Ted Grether (47) / Incoming, Luis Calderon (49) (will transition in October)Region 10: John Dmytriw (49)Region 11: Ellen Way (28)

EDUCATION TEAM LIAISONSSal Parra Jr. (46) Manpreet Bains (43)

STAFFAlumni Engagement Manager : Deanna van Klaveren (32)

“BE OF SERVICE. WHETHER YOU MAKE

YOURSELF AVAILABLE TO A FRIEND

OR CO-WORKER, OR YOU MAKE TIME

EVERY MONTH TO DO VOLUNTEER

WORK, THERE IS NOTHING THAT

HARVESTS MORE OF A FEELING OF

EMPOWERMENT THAN BEING OF

SERVICE TO SOMEONE IN NEED.”

-GILLIAN ANDERSON


17

Classes 1-9Mike Chrisman (2) was featured in the donor spotlight article of California Rangeland Trust’s spring newsletter. He has been a generous and loyal donor of the nonprofit for 15 years.

Jim Nielsen (5), California state senator, spoke at a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the construction of new concrete Habitat for Humanity homes in Paradise in Butte County.

Tim LaSalle (6) was quoted in an article (“Three major ways fighting climate change will transform our health”) in the April issue of Prevention magazine.

Lyra Halprin (7) was one of 15 signees of a letter to the Davis Joint Unified School District regarding members of the Jewish community standing in solidarity with an ethnic studies proposal.

Classes 10-19Murray Edwards (10) was reelected to the board of directors of First Financial Bankshares in Texas.

Ted Sheely (13) wrote an op-ed (“Agroecology as a choice, not coercion”) in April for the online Global Farmer Network.

Randall Lange (14), of LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, was elected second vice chair of Wine Institute for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Randall (14) and Brad (17) Lange were featured in a May article in Lodi Wine about being one of California’s leading producers of premium quality Italian varietals.

Classes 20-29Jackson Gualco (20) was recently appointed to the advisory board of the University of California Center, Sacramento by the UC and UCD provosts. The center provides public policy opportunities in the executive and legislative branches of state government for students from all 10 UC campuses.

Joe Pezzini (28) stepped down from his role as CEO and president of Ocean Mist Farms effective June 30. He has served in the position since 2015 and has worked for the company for 21 years.

John Duarte (28), of Duarte Nursery, was interviewed for a May 14 KCRA 3 news story titled “How a new variety of almond trees could benefit Central Valley farmers.”

Scott Hunter (28) was the subject of a May 17 ABC30-Fresno news story titled “Good sports: Atwater’s field of dreams.” A longtime Central Valley farmer, Hunter built his own baseball field for his family and community during quarantine. While other fields were closed, local youth teams were able to play at Hunter Field.

Scott Stone (28), of Yolo Land and Cattle Company, commented on the cattle ranching industry and how critical it is to have a safe food supply for an NBC National News story (“Meat suppliers plants coming back online after hack”).

Classes 30-39Craig Stoller (31) was the featured subject of an article (“Winegrower Craig Stoller: Capturing the essence of California’s Central Coast”) about his two wineries and vineyard estate.

Kevin Healy (36) was named grower relations manager for Ocean Mist Farms, where he will be responsible for emerging and cultivating relationships with the company’s grower partner community.

Kelley Parsons (37) was featured as the June Member Profile for the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. The article highlighted her hydroponic tomato business, Parsons Homegrown, which has supplied the county with off-season beefsteak tomatoes for 25 years.

Classes 40-49Leon Etchepare (43), of Emerald Farms, is the focus of a new Corteva Agriscience video titled “The Heart of the Farm: Growing With Pride.” The video is part of a documentary series that highlights the untold stories of diverse farmers.

Julie Rentner (44), of River Partners, was quoted in a San Francisco Chronicle article (“Could this $36 million Central Valley river restoration project help with California’s droughts?”).

Lucas Espericueta (45), a member of the Kern County Fair board of directors, was quoted in an article about the fair being postponed this year.

Yvonne Sams (45), of G3 Enterprises, was the presenter for a California Association of Winegrape Growers webinar (Labor and the Harvest Season) in June.

Sal Parra (46), of Burford Ranch, was part of the May 25 Almond Journey podcast titled, “Irrigation efficiency through technology.”

Jenny Lester-Moffitt (47) was nominated by President Joe Biden to be undersecretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture Marketing and Regulatory Programs. She currently serves as undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Darrin Monteiro (47), of California Dairies, Inc., was the moderator of a panel - Inside Washington: What to Expect from the Biden Administration and a Balanced Congress - at the California Creamery Operators Association Annual Meeting.

Bryan Nickerson (48), of Western Growers Association, gave a presentation on the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act to the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s 2021 apprentice class.

Daniel Hartwig (49), of Woolf Enterprises, was quoted in an article (“This year’s almond crop forecast to grow – again”) in the May 12 edition of The Business Journal.

Daniel Hartwig (49) and Jared Plumlee (49) were quoted in a May Ag Alert article (“CA farmers grapple with implications of water cuts”).

Laura Pires (49) was hired as director of marketing for AHV (Animal Health Vision) International, which develops innovative and sustainable solutions to overcome

significant obstacles in the animal health sector. She previously worked for Cargill, Alltech and Pfizer Animal Health.

Taylor Serres (49), of Serres Ranch, was part of a Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Vintners Earth Day virtual event that promoted sustainable wines from the area.

Class 50Lindsey Liebig (50), executive director of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau, was named Woman of the Year 2021 by Assemblymember Ken Cooley for contributions to community and dedication to the ag industry.

Multiple ClassesCindy Jewell (30) and Denise Junqueiro (42) were speakers for United Fresh Produce Association’s 25-session Reimagine Conversations event in June

Cannon Michael (39) and Jenny Lester Moffitt (47) were among the speakers at the June meeting of the CDFA State Board of Food and Agriculture.

ALUMNI & FELLOWS NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

IN YOUR LIFE?

PLEASE SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

OR NEWS TO:

[email protected]


18

$100,000The James G. Boswell Foundation

$36,667Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.

$5,000Woolf Enterprises

$2,500Butch and Laurie LaVelle*

$1,500Bob and Lisa Cherenson

$1,200Ken Zimmerman

$1,000Allied Grape GrowersAnonymous*Ron Bass Construction (Ron and

Martha Bass)*Larry and Jeana HultquistMark and Mary LinderManuel Perea Trucking, Inc.*MPN Farms*Michael Newton*Nielsen and Associates *Bill Stokes*

$900Gene Peterson

$514.80Tom Merwin

$500E. & J. Gallo Winery (Alan Reynolds)Merrill Farms (Susan Merrill)*Newton Farms (Paul Newton)*Peggy Perry*Wagner Land and Cattle Co.*

$400Jason Miller

$309Curtis Miller

$257.55Tyler Blackney*

$250Janet Berriman*Carson Britz*Parreira Almond Processing Co.*Richard and Dorothy Peterson

$225Melissa MacFarlane

$200Bob and Anne AtkinsRay and Cathy Hunt*Jeff Macelli*

$116.78Amazon Smile

$103.20Scott and Shelly Thompson*

$103.05Erin Gorter*Suzanne Gorter*

$100Dean Marquel (Marfab Ag & Industrial

Supply)*Diane Mead*Martha and Joseph O’Donnell*Chuck and Terri Riedel*Jane Roberti*Robert and Verna SteinhauerDennis Thompson*

$80Scott Berndt

$51.75Joel Riedel*

$50Sherrye Schwarz*Chris White*

$45Julie Johnson

$20Scott Berndt*

In Memory of Molly FigoneJohn and Eda Muller: $103.20

In KindTMD Creative: $5,750

*Class 50 Giving

DONOR SUPPORT APRIL 1, 2021 - JUNE 30, 2021

THANK YOU


19

P.O. BOX 479SALINAS, CA 93902Return Service Requested

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSalinas, CA

Permit No.61

HORIZONS MAGAZINE is published by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for alumni, donors, supporters and friends. Phone: 831-585-1030 www.agleaders.org

T h e r e h a v e n e v e r b e e n more opportunities for

alumni engagement

First Fridays Webinars

First Friday of Every Month

--Live Online

NorCal Clay Shoot

August 14--

Zamora

Book Club

Register by September 10

-- Fall Session

Region 9 Golf

Tournament

September 13--

Camarillo

Dean Brown Golf

Tournament

November 5--

Santa Maria

Regional Socials

Check with your Regional Director for

Details

More informationAlumni Engagement Manager Deanna van Klaveren (32)(209) 765-2476 | [email protected]

“Growing Leaders Who Make A Difference”

dr. peggy perry and dr. robert flores bring experience

Documents