California Ag Leadership Foundation to Honor 2025 Lifetime Leadership Award & Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients Posted on September 3, 2025 by Jessica Lara FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE California Ag Leadership Foundation to Honor 2025 Lifetime Leadership Award & Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients September 3, 2025 – Monterey, California — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious leadership awards. These awards recognize Ag Leadership Program alumni for leadership actions that have had an impact on our industry, communities, and the Foundation. “We are honored to celebrate Dr. Peggy Perry, Bart Fisher, Mike Boeger, and Dino Giacomazzi for their outstanding leadership and service,” said Lesa Eidman, President & CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. “Each of these honorees exemplifies servant leadership. Through their vision, integrity, and commitment, they have advanced California agriculture, enriched the lives of others, and set a powerful example for future leaders. Their impact will be felt for generations to come.” Lifetime Leadership Award The Lifetime Leadership Award celebrates alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lives, making significant and lasting contributions to California agriculture, their industries, and their communities. Dr. Peggy Sears Perry (Class 9) Professor Emeritus at Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Perry has dedicated nearly four decades to teaching plant science and leadership. A longtime member of the CALF Education Team, she has advanced agricultural literacy and leadership development for generations of California leaders. Bart Fisher (Class 5) A third-generation farmer from Blythe, Bart Fisher has led on Colorado River water issues for more than 30 years, serving on agricultural boards and negotiating landmark agreements. Under his leadership, Fisher Farms successfully transitioned to its second century while he mentored countless leaders and served his community. Profiles in Leadership Award Established in 1995, the Profiles in Leadership Award honors alumni whose purposeful and impactful actions have benefited industry, community, government, education, or the environment. Mike Boeger (Class 7) A rice farmer and education advocate, Mike Boeger transformed Butte Community College as board president and strengthened the rice industry through his leadership on the California Rice Research Board. His service reflects integrity, innovation, and commitment to future generations. Dino Giacomazzi (Class 36) A fourth-generation farmer from Hanford, Dino Giacomazzi is known for innovation and advocacy. He founded organizations to address water, education, and dairy issues, and has been a pioneer in ag-tech and digital outreach, connecting and inspiring California agriculture. This year’s recipients will be recognized during the Class 55 Inauguration & Awards Dinner on October 3, 2025, in Fresno, California. The evening will begin with a welcome reception hosted by the Alumni Council at 5:45 p.m., followed by the awards presentation and the inauguration of Class 55. Ticket and RSVP information is available at agleaders.org/events. 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. Media Contact: Jessica Lara CALF Marketing & Communications Manager jlara@agleaders.org
55th Class Selected for California Agricultural Leadership Program Posted on August 19, 2025 by Jessica Lara Monterey, California–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. Media Contact: Media Contact: Jessica Lara CALF Marketing and Communications Manager jlara@agleaders.org —
California Ag Leadership Foundation Hires New Alumni Engagement and Event Manager Posted on July 1, 2025 by Jessica Lara MONTEREY, Calif. — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is pleased to announce the hiring of Anna Nicholson as its new Alumni Engagement and Event Manager, effective June 26, 2025. In this newly restructured role, Nicholson will lead statewide alumni engagement strategies, coordinate impactful alumni programming, and strengthen relationships across CALF’s broad network of more than 1,400 program alumni. Her focus will include developing alumni programs, coordinating events, and fostering a culture of lifelong connection, service, and leadership among CALF graduates. “We are thrilled to welcome Anna to our team,” said Lesa Eidman, CALF President and CEO. “Her background in relationship management and executive search, combined with her strengths in project coordination, communications, and stakeholder engagement, make her a dynamic fit for this position. Her energy and professional experience will immediately support CALF’s mission to grow leaders who make a difference.” Nicholson brings over seven years of experience in relationship-focused roles, most recently serving as a Client Manager at 3P Partners, a national executive search firm specializing in food and agriculture. There, she partnered with top industry companies and successfully led recruitment efforts across a wide range of roles. Earlier in her career, she worked in donor relations and event coordination at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California, where she supported fundraising events and managed key donor communications. “It’s an incredible honor to join the CALF team and serve such a passionate and accomplished alumni community,” said Nicholson. “I’m inspired by the impact CALF graduates have across California agriculture, and I’m looking forward to creating meaningful ways for us to stay connected, celebrate each other’s work, and keep growing together.” She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Seattle University and is fluent in Spanish. A Northern California native, Nicholson will be based in Sacramento and travel frequently across the state to support alumni events and initiatives. ABOUT 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. —
California Ag Leadership Welcomes Chico State as New University Partner Posted on June 24, 2025June 24, 2025 by Jessica Lara MONTEREY, June 24, 2025 – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce that California State University, Chico has been formally added as a partner university for the California Ag Leadership Program (CALP). This strategic collaboration marks a significant expansion of CALP’s reach, strengthening its statewide network dedicated to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. The California Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States, designed to equip fellows with the advanced skills necessary to amplify their impact across various sectors. With over 1,400 distinguished alumni, the program consistently produces influential leaders and active contributors in agriculture, community development, government, business, and other vital areas. Chico State joins an esteemed group of existing university partners, including California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California State University, Fresno; and the University of California, Davis. The sustained engagement of these universities with CALF is critical to ensuring a continuous pipeline of highly skilled graduates, essential for meeting the evolving demands of enlightened leadership within agriculture. “The addition of Chico State significantly strengthens our collaborative network with agricultural institutions across the state,” stated Lesa Eidman, CALF President and CEO. “By extending our presence into Northern California, we gain a unique opportunity to share invaluable leadership insights and collectively foster the continued growth and impact of our program.” For nearly seven decades, the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life throughout California and across the nation by educating and empowering agricultural leaders. This new partnership with the California Ag Leadership Program will further amplify this shared objective of developing leaders who are poised to make a profound difference. “Chico State is honored to join the California Ag Leadership Program as a partner university,” said Chico State President Steve Perez. “Our College of Agriculture and University Farm are cornerstones of our academic excellence and community impact. For decades, they’ve shaped future leaders across sectors like crop science, horticulture, animal science, ag education, business, land management, and more. This partnership will allow us to deepen that legacy and expand our reach, preparing the next generation to lead with purpose across the agricultural landscape.” ABOUT 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. —
California Ag Leadership Foundation Hires New Marketing and Communications Manager Posted on June 20, 2025June 24, 2025 by Jessica Lara MONTEREY, June 19, 2025, – 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 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 Open for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program Posted on June 2, 2025June 2, 2025 by mritchie@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 multibenefit 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 a name indicates Ag Leadership Program class. ABOUT 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. —