The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the selection of Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a distinguished group of emerging agricultural leaders who will engage in a 17-month intensive program designed to develop leadership skills and prepare them to lead in California’s dynamic agricultural industry.
The Ag Leadership Program selects individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to advancing California agriculture. Over the course of the program, fellows participate in immersive experiences, including leadership seminars, national and international travel seminars, and hands-on projects that foster personal growth and drive industry impact.
“Class 55 will be challenged to broaden their perspectives, expand their influence, and lead with purpose. They embody the very essence of CALF’s mission, to grow leaders who make a difference. This cohort will carry forward a legacy of service-driven leadership that will help ensure California agriculture thrives for generations to come,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (Class 49).
Class 55 represents a wide range of agricultural sectors, including field crops, forestry, rice, tree crops, winegrapes, berries and water and brings diverse perspectives through their work in associations, government, agricultural services, and production.
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has been cultivating leaders for over 55 years, with alumni contributing to policy development, industry advancement, and community engagement across the state and nation. The Class 55 cohort continues this tradition of leadership excellence.
Class 55 fellows’ inaugural ceremony will take place on October 3rd in Fresno, California. For more information about the Ag Leadership program or to learn more about the Class 55 Fellows, visit agleaders.org Tickets and additional event information are available at agleaders.org/events
Class 55 Fellows
Claire Aicken – County of San Diego AWM, Oceanside, CA
Jordan Albiani – Galt High School, Elk Grove, CA
Tommy Bottoms – Tremont Farms, Davis, CA
Morgan Campbell – Westside Water Authority, Bakersfield, CA
Sam Christopherson – Markon, Sacramento, CA
Natalie Collins – California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi, CA
Drew Crane – Crane Mills, Tehama, CA
Kelly Damewood – California Certified Organic Farmers, Santa Cruz, CA
Jared Davit – Jarran Ag Services, Yuba City, CA
Josh Enos – Carriere Family Farms, Glenn, CA
Lauren Fann – Almond Board of California, Modesto, CA
Omar Alexander Gonzalez-Benitez – Planasa LLC, Watsonville, CA
Lisa Howard – Tolenas Winery, Fairfield, CA
Casey Kirchhoff – Kirchhoff Family Wines, Clarksburg, CA
Kiaran Locy – California Prune Board, Sacramento, CA
Cesar Mendoza – BASF Corporation, Fresno, CA
Jordon Navarrot – Reclamation District 108, Grimes, CA
Jon Neugebauer – McArthur Farm Supply, McArthur, CA
Logan Robertson Huecker – Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Visalia, CA
Ryan Scott – Monterey Pacific, Templeton, CA
Emma Sertich – Center Safe Ag, Ventura, CA
Sadie Strain – Strain Farming Company, Arbuckle, CA
Kevin Voorhees – AgWest Farm Credit, San Luis Obispo, CA
Jeremy Wagner – County of San Mateo AWM, Redwood City, CA
About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,400 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State.
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has hired Jessica Lara as its new Marketing and Communications manager, effective June 16.
In her role, Lara will be responsible for planning, developing, and executing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that align with CALF’s mission. She will engage with both internal and external stakeholders to support the foundation’s initiatives.
CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jessica to CALF. Her energy, creativity and proven track record in strategic communications make her an incredible addition to our team. I’m confident she will play a key role in amplifying our message and connecting even more people to the mission and impact of Ag Leadership.”
Lara brings over nine years of experience in marketing and communications, including her most recent role as a marketing communications specialist at the California Strawberry Commission, where she contributed to successful marketing campaigns. Her expertise encompasses content creation, social media management, video production, and community engagement. Skills valuable in supporting CALF’s marketing plan.
“I’m excited to start this position with CALF,” Lara shared. “My deep appreciation for California agriculture drives me, and I’m truly looking forward to using my skills to advance CALF’s mission.”
ABOUT
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities, and families. agleaders.org
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange). Applicants should be individuals who have an influence over policy issues impacting California agriculture, including California Assembly and Senate members or staff as well as employees of regulatory agencies and nonprofits.
The CA Exchange, organized by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is an experiential learning and leadership development opportunity that brings together participants and those who work in California’s $59 billion agriculture industry. This year’s program – to be held Sept. 9-12 – will visit numerous farms, ranches and agriculture-related operations in select Northern California counties.
During the program, fellows will develop a better understanding of how public policy affects complex and diverse agricultural systems. They will also gain tools for collaboration that may lead to more opportunities for multi-benefit policy development and execution. California agriculture producers are provided an equally important opportunity to better understand the perspectives of regulatory agency representatives and the unique constraints, pressures and concerns influencing their decision-making processes.
“The California Exchange is an invaluable program that cultivates an awareness for the innovation and resilience of California’s agricultural industry,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49). “By participating in this program, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing them with knowledge from the field that will drive positive change and ensure the continued success of California agriculture.”
More information and the application are available at https://www.agleaders.org/programs/exchange-programs/. Applications are due July 11, 2025. Virtual interviews will be conducted July 29-30. For additional questions, call the CALF office at 831-585-1030.
The number in parentheses after name indicates Ag Leadership Program class.
ABOUT CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families. agleaders.org
Davidson Pattiz, CEO of Zenith Insurance Company, has joined the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) board of directors.
Pattiz has worked for Zenith Insurance Company, a leader in property and casualty insurance for the California agriculture industry,since 2005. He began his current role in January 2025 after spending 19 years in various roles within the company, including president and chief operating officer. As CEO, he is responsible for overseeing a nationwide operation comprised of more than 1,400 professionals. Pattiz earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology from Brown University and a J.D. from Georgetown University.
“I am extremely honored to welcome Davidson to our dedicated board of directors,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “An enthusiastic champion of Ag Leadership for many years, he has a strong appreciation for its impact on California agriculture. Davidson’s depth of business experiences as well as strategic perspectives, leadership skills and positive attitude will be instrumental as we continue advancing our mission and vision.”
Said Pattiz, “I am honored to serve as a board member for the California Ag Leadership Foundation. Over many years, I have witnessed the impact of the exceptionally high-quality leadership program CALF provides. Building new leaders and sustaining California’s vital, multigenerational agriculture industry are worthy efforts that I look forward to helping advance with my new colleagues.”
Pattiz joins 11 CALF board members, including Mike Young (35), Wegis & Young, chair; Cameron Boswell (42), J.G. Boswell, vice chair; Correen Davis (45), The Gorrill Ranch, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas (40), Reiter Affiliated Companies; Nikki Cossio, Measure to Improve LLC; Rob Goff (45), Wonderful Orchards; Fidela Irigoyen (21), Wells Fargo; Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37), Land IQ; Sal Parra Jr. (46), Burford Ranch; Paul Parreira (44), Parreira Almond Processing Co.; and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Fresno State. (The number in parentheses after names indicates Ag Leadership Program class.)
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (CALF) CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.
Applications are now being accepted for Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, horticulturalists, foresters and/or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry.
The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Through the program, fellows learn leadership skills that help them expand their impact. More than 1,400 individuals have participated in the program and are influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, communities, government, business and other areas.
Over the course of the intensive 17-month program, fellows are immersed in numerous topics, including leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical thinking, change management, emotional intelligence and other skills and tools that contribute to improved performance. Along with individualized leadership development coaching, fellows engage in situations and discussions focused on complex social and cultural issues. They are provided with opportunities to build enhanced critical thinking skills that, combined with a broader perspective, help graduates guide creative solutions throughout their lives.
“For 55 years, the Ag Leadership Program has cultivated a remarkable legacy of growing leaders who make a difference,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “Those in California agriculture who want to increase their leadership capacity and bolster their positive impact in agriculture, their communities and beyond are strongly encouraged to apply to Class 55.”
The program includes approximately 55 days of formal program activities. CALF delivers an integrated, comprehensive and diverse curriculum with support from its four partner universities: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State and UC Davis. Fellows learn from first-rate educators and subject authorities from many professions and backgrounds. As a valuable extension to the monthly seminars, fellows participate in national and international travel seminars that provide further opportunities to understand interconnected systems and governments, dialogue with policy leaders and compare and contrast cultural dynamics.
CALF invests more than $50,000 per fellow to participate in the Ag Leadership Program, thanks in large part to donations made by individuals and industry organizations and companies. Candidates are strongly encouraged to talk with Ag Leadership alumni about the program and to attend an informational event.
More information and the application are available at www.agleaders.org/class55apply/. Phase one of the three-phrase application process is due no later than April 1, 2025. Individuals are encouraged to complete the application as soon as possible.
ABOUT
CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families. agleaders.org
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) and the Ag Leadership Alumni Council has presented the 2024 Lifetime Leadership Award to Mike Campbell, Paul Martin, Ed McLaughlin and John Muller. The award honors California Agricultural Leadership Program alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community.
“We are proud to honor these four incredible individuals who embody servant leadership,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “As lifelong leaders and role models, they have selflessly served the agriculture industry and their communities to make lasting and meaningful impacts. We applaud them for their dedication, passion and valuable contributions over many decades.”
This year’s recipients were recognized during the CALF Alumni Conference on June 27 at the Monterey Conference Center.
ABOUT THE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Mike Campbell (Class 3) of Clarksburg has provided outstanding leadership to agriculture, higher education, his community and CALF. Following military service, he farmed in the Sacramento Delta during the 1970s and early 1980s and began his volunteer service. In 1982, he was chosen to serve as a White House Fellow in Washington, D.C., the second farmer selected in the 70-year history of the Program. His service to UC Davis includes leadership roles in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Cal Aggie Alumni Association. The university and college have recognized him for his service and leadership. Campbell also played an instrumental role in the creation of UC Merced. He has generously given back to his community through his leadership of organizations supporting youth and community enhancement. The latest being his leadership to restore the community’s landmark 1883 Schoolhouse as a Delta Welcome, History and Education Center. He is respected for his extensive work on Delta projects that benefit the region, including as president and co-founder of the Delta Leadership Foundation. His dedicated leadership with CALF includes campus coordinator for 13 years, Alumni Council Director and host of numerous CALF recruitment events, dinners for the new Classes and Class 3 reunions in his home.
“The Ag Leadership Program has been a wonderful gift in my life since 1972,” said Campbell. “I am very grateful to my nominators, the Alumni Council and the Foundation for this wonderful recognition. Receiving this prestigious award from an organization that has done so much to enrich my life makes me feel extremely proud and humbled.”
Paul Martin (Class 10) of Petaluma
Paul Martin (Class 10) of Petaluma has been a prominent leader in agriculture with a focus on the dairy industry and his county. Hegrew up on the family dairy in Petaluma and after graduating from UC Davis in 1965, volunteered for the U.S. Army. Upon his return from Vietnam in the early 1970s, Martin and his wife, Jill, operated the dairy. In the late 1990s, he joined Western United Dairymen (WUD) as the local field representative and within a few years became its director of environmental services. With his dairy background, career at WUD, work with federal and state agencies and service on many industry boards, Martin was known as a collaborator and trailblazer that made a positive difference for dairy farmers. He also mentored countless industry professionals about environmental law, regulatory prowess and leadership lessons. In 2012, he was appointed as a deputy director in the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. After two years, he retired to Two Rock Valley, the family’s 105-year-old ranch, where they run a small herd of beef cattle. Additionally, Martin has dedicated his time to UC Davis programs, community activities and volunteer firefighting. He has been honored by UC Davis and organizations for his leadership.
“This is a wonderful award and I am absolutely honored that you felt I am worthy of receiving it,” said Martin. “To say I was surprised is an understatement at best. Recognition by Ag Leadership and its alumni – who have themselves done so much for agriculture – is very touching! A special thanks goes to my friends and colleagues who submitted my nomination. It means a lot to me.”
Ed McLaughlin (Class 11) of Durham
Ed McLaughlin (Class 11) of Durham has been an exceptional leader in the agriculture industry, his county and community. A longtime almond and walnut farmer, he has held leadership roles for myriad industry organizations, including the Butte County Farm Bureau, California Farm Bureau and the Butte County Farm City Celebration. He served on the Silver Dollar Fair – Third District Agricultural Association for more than 25 years, including several terms as president. McLaughlin has also focused his time and efforts on groundwater as a founding member of the Butte County Tuscan Water District and Ag Groundwater Users of Butte County. His commitment to local schools and youth is reflected in volunteerism for the Chico High School Friends of Agriculture, Durham Unified School District board, Little League and FFA. McLaughlin also demonstrated his leadership and tireless work on important issues while serving on the Butte County Board of Supervisors from 1984-1996, including several terms as chair. He is known for his hard work, enthusiasm, positive attitude and dedication. He has been honored by the Butte County Farm Bureau and Farm City Celebration for his leadership and service.
“I was very surprised and humbled to be receiving this award since there are so many other deserving alumni who work tirelessly to protect and promote California’s most important industry,” said McLaughlin. “I would like to thank my family, friends and all the Ag Leadership alumni for this very humbling award. Also, thank you to Ag Leadership staff, volunteers and donors who deserve the credit for the program’s success.”
John Muller (Class 8) of Half Moon Bay
John Muller (Class 8),of Half Moon Bay, has been an exemplary leader at the local, regional, state and national level. For decades, “Farmer John” and his wife, Eda, owned and operated a pumpkin and flower farm, through which they welcomed thousands of visitors annually and took the farm experience to urban schools. Deeply connected to his community, he served on the Half Moon Bay City Council and as mayor, volunteers for many local events and donates seeds to various groups. His service to agriculture and water issues includes the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board, Coastside County Water District board and the Association of California Water Agencies – Region 5. He also served on the American Florists Government Relations Committee, the U.S. EPA Local Government Advisory Committee and a USDA trade advisory committee. Since 2007, he has been a member of the FBI Citizens Academy in the San Francisco Bay region. A steadfast supporter of Ag Leadership since commencing from the program, Muller served on the Ag Leadership Alumni board, CALF board and the Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program committee. A U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, Muller has been honored with several awards for his leadership and volunteerism, including the 2008 President’s Volunteer Service Award.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by Ag Leadership, an organization that so deeply shaped my life and gave me the tools to become a leader,” said Muller. “Thank you to Ag Leadership for accepting me into Class 8, to alumni for the friendship and support over these 45 years, to the amazing founders of this program, to the four partner universities and to those who have chosen me for this award.”
ABOUT CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), a nonprofit that operates the 52-year-old California Agricultural Leadership Program, today announced a comprehensive brand refresh and new logo.
“Ag Leadership prepares, inspires, serves and connects effective leaders with a committed passion for California agriculture,” CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson said. “We believe our brand refresh strongly reflects our mission of ‘Growing leaders who make a difference,’ along with our values of integrity, excellence and respect.”
The new logo preserves some key elements of the foundation’s two previous logos, such as the diamond shape and agricultural imagery. It also features new elements – color palette, typography, outlined diamond, extended row, and nickname and formal name – that give it a fresh, bold and modern look.
With the brand refresh, the foundation aims to raise the profile of its distinguished Ag Leadership Program, enhance alumni pride and engagement, inspire potential candidates to apply, engage and inspire sponsors and donors to invest, and increase media coverage.
“We are proud to have a new brand identity that underscores the long-standing reputation of Ag Leadership – dignified, enduring, respected, scholarly, exceptional, leading edge and trustworthy,” CALF Marketing and Communications Coordinator Meredith Rehrman Ritchie said. “Same powerful program and alumni network with a powerful refreshed brand.”
Foundation materials and digital platforms, including a redesigned website, will be updated in the coming weeks and months.
About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
CALF operates the California Agricultural Leadership Program, an advanced leadership development experience for mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry. Ag Leadership is considered to be one of the premier leadership development programs in the United States. Since the program was first delivered in 1970, more than 1,300 men and women have participated in Ag Leadership. They have gone on to become influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, government, communities, business and education. The powerful connections and relationships forged among alumni serve to keep agriculture a viable and important part of our state’s economy.
