News & Resources News Releases California Ag Leadership Foundation Names Davidson Pattiz to Board March 20, 2025 Read More Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 55 February 14, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces New President and CEO January 22, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation Names Davidson Pattiz to Board March 20, 2025 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. — Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 55 February 14, 2025 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. — California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces New President and CEO January 22, 2025 MONTEREY – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) announced that Lesa Eidman has been selected as its new president and CEO, effective Feb. 18. Eidman will succeed Dwight Ferguson, who has served in the position since October 2020. “We are thrilled to welcome Lesa to the Ag Leadership team as our new president and CEO,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young. “Lesa brings to the role a deep connection to Ag Leadership, as a graduate of Class 49 and an actively engaged alum, as well as an inspiring vision for the future of Ag Leadership and California agriculture as a whole. Her passion and expertise will build on the strong foundation laid by Dwight and propel CALF to even greater heights.” Young also expressed his gratitude for Ferguson’s contributions over the past four and a half years. “Dwight has been instrumental in professionalizing our organization, leading our last strategic plan and positioning the foundation for long-term success and sustainability,” said Young. “His leadership has set the stage for an exciting future, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication and service. On a personal note, Dwight has become a close friend and mentor, and I am truly sad to see him go.” Eidman has extensive experience with agricultural producers and associations over the past 20 years. Since 2015, she has worked for Superior Farms – North America’s top processor and marketer of lamb – first as director of producer resources and sustainability and for the past five years as vice president of sales. From 2003 to 2015, Eidman was the executive director of the California Wool Growers Association and California Pork Producers Association. Eidman is a third-generation agriculturalist with a family heritage rooted in education and production agriculture. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and management from Fresno State and a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from UC Davis. “I am honored and excited to be the 10th president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation,” said Eidman. “CALF has a strong mission of growing leaders who make a difference, and I am eager to build on that foundation. My vision is to elevate the organization’s trajectory, expanding its reach and impact to address the challenges and opportunities facing California agriculture. Together with our dedicated team and alumni network, we will continue to empower transformative leadership and shape a brighter future for the agricultural industry.” 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 May 01 2025 Cultivating the Future An event to support the development of future leaders in California agriculture. Learn More May 09 Prospective Applicant & Alumni BBQ in Region 7 Enjoy gathering with alumni, Class 54 fellows, foundation staff and Cal Poly leadership! Learn More Jun 26 Region 1 Reconnect & CSU Farm Tour Save the date for our annual dinner! Enjoy this opportunity to reconnect with alumni and make new friends. Learn More More Ag Leadership Events