Category: News Releases

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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MONTEREY – 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.  

CONTACT
CALF Programs Manager Judy Sparacino / jsparacino@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030. 

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