California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces New Development Manager

MONTEREY – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has hired Jodi Litz as its new development manager.

Litz is responsible for setting fundraising targets; engaging current and new donors; collaborating with alumni, staff and board committees to cultivate stakeholder relationships; and maintaining the donor database and customer relationship management tools.

“Jodi is a great addition to CALF’s team of professionals and will be key to achieving our financial strength priorities,” CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson said. “Her work experience and skills – combined with her support of our mission, vision and values – will benefit our development goals, help strengthen relationships with alumni and other stakeholders and further ensure our financial future.”

Litz joins the foundation with several years of experience in development. She most recently worked as the development director for Community Human Services in Monterey and previously served in the same role for Meals on Wheels of Western South Dakota. Born and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota, she followed her family’s mining legacy by attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, earning her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary sciences. Later in her career, she joined a statewide cohort of nonprofit development professionals who trained at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy – Purdue University Indianapolis. Litz received her certificate in fundraising management by completing the courses Principles and Techniques of Fundraising, Developing Annual Sustainability, Developing Major Gifts and Engaging Women as Donors.

“I am thrilled to join the CALF team and grateful for this incredible opportunity,” Litz said. “The more I learn about the foundation, the Ag Leadership Program and those supporting the work, the more impressed I become. It’s a privilege to be a part of such a well-respected organization and compassionate, knowledgeable team.”

CALF operates the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), considered one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Since 1970, more than 1,400 CALP 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.

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