News & Resources News Releases California Ag Leadership Foundation Hires New Alumni Engagement and Event Manager July 01, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Welcomes Chico State as New University Partner June 24, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation Hires New Marketing and Communications Manager June 20, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation Hires New Alumni Engagement and Event Manager July 01, 2025 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 June 24, 2025 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 June 20, 2025 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. — View All PUBLICATIONS Horizons / Impact Report Horizons magazine is published three times per year by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for alumni, donors, supporters and friends. The foundation also publishes an annual Impact Report and monthly e-newsletter. View All TESTIMONIALS Videos Many of our alumni have shared positive and inspirational stories about their participation in the Ag Leadership Program. View All Upcoming Events Jul 22 Region 3 Reconnect Save the date for our annual dinner! Enjoy this opportunity to reconnect with alumni and make new friends. Learn More Aug 02 NorCal Ag Leadership Clay Shoot & BBQ Join us for the 10th annual fundraising event in Region 1! BBQ lunch-only option available. Learn More Aug 20 Region 4 Social with Class 54 Join Class 54 fellows at a reception in Santa Nella the evening before they depart for their water tour. Learn More More Ag Leadership Events