News & Resources

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Announces Board Chair Transition

October 19, 2026

Dr. Joel Kimmelshue succeeds Mike Young; Fidela Irigoyen and Rob Goff join Kimmelshue on executive board

MONTEREY, Calif. — October 16, 2026 — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) announces Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (Class 37) as its new board chair, succeeding Mike Young (Class 35) following the completion of Young’s term. Joining Kimmelshue on the foundation’s executive board are Fidela Irigoyen (Class 21) as vice chair and Rob Goff (Class 45) as secretary-treasurer.

The transition comes as CALF begins implementing its 2026–2031 strategic plan, which outlines priorities for developing leaders, engaging alumni, expanding awareness of the foundation’s impact and strengthening its financial future.

Young’s tenure as chair capped more than 20 years of service on the foundation’s board, preceded by involvement with its Alumni Council. A steadfast advocate for Ag Leadership, he helped strengthen the foundation, advance its mission and shape a vision for its future. His dedication, generosity, and belief in the power of leadership development have left a lasting mark on the organization and the generations of agricultural leaders it serves.

Kimmelshue is owner and principal agricultural scientist at Land IQ. As a member of the team that helped shape the foundation’s new strategic plan, he steps into the chair role with a clear understanding of its priorities and the partnerships needed to achieve them.

“When asked to consider being the board chair for the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, not only was I humbled and honored, but I also had great excitement for the opportunities the Foundation, the Program, and our alumni base have moving forward; specifically, those opportunities outlined in our new 5-year strategic plan,” Kimmelshue said. “To help facilitate and lead the quest for those plan milestones and goals is a challenge taken seriously. I greatly look forward to working with Foundation staff, fellow Board members, alumni, current and future class members, and the growing number of supporters in not just meeting, but hopefully exceeding those expectations.”

Together, Kimmelshue, Irigoyen and Goff will work with the board to advance the foundation’s mission of growing leaders who make a difference.

About the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to growing leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,500 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.

For more information about the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and the California Agricultural Leadership Program, visit agleaders.org.

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Cherie "Cher" Watte Joins California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Board of Directors

October 07, 2026

MONTEREY, Calif. — October 7, 2026 — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is pleased to announce that Cherie (Cher) Watte, executive director of the Buy California Marketing Agreement (BCMA)/California Grown and a Class 25 alumna of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, has joined its board of directors.

Watte brings decades of experience in agricultural marketing, public policy, international trade, water policy and industry advocacy. Since 2020, she has served as executive director of BCMA/California Grown, an advisory board to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The organization combines industry and government resources to increase awareness, consumption and value of California agricultural products. Since 2015, Watte has also served as executive director of Imperial Valley Water (IVH2O), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting the Imperial Valley's water rights.

"The Foundation Board of Directors is excited to welcome Cher Watte to our diverse group of members. Cher brings lifelong experience in production systems, marketing, business operations and community service, along with a deep commitment to California agriculture. As a program alumna, she will bring valuable skills and perspective to the board," said Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, board chair.

"I am incredibly honored to join the board. Having participated in various aspects of the organization for nearly 40 years, I know firsthand how deeply Ag Leadership influences personal and professional development. I look forward to working with the board to expand our impact on individuals and the industry," said Watte.

Watte joins 14 CALF board members: Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37), Land IQ, chair; Fidela Irigoyen (21), vice chair; Rob Goff (45), Wonderful Orchards, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas (40), Reiter Affiliated Companies; Nikki Cossio, Measure to Improve LLC; Michael Frantz (36), Frantz Wholesale Nursery; Erin O'Donnell (50), Sustainable Ag Advisors; Sal Parra Jr. (46), Bowles Farming; Paul Parreira (44), Parreira Almond Processing Co.; Davidson Pattiz, The Zenith; Dr. Ashley Stokes, UC Davis; Gladys Wotring, J.G. Boswell; and Mike Young (35), Wegis & Young.

The number in parentheses after a name indicates the member's Ag Leadership Program class.

About the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to growing leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,500 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.

For more information about the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and the California Agricultural Leadership Program, visit agleaders.org.

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California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Welcomes Gladys Wotring to Board of Directors

September 15, 2026

MONTEREY, CA, September 15, 2026 — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) announces Gladys Wotring, vice president of human resources at J.G. Boswell Company, has joined its board of directors.

Wotring brings more than 25 years of HR experience, with a focus on leadership development and operational strategy. At J.G. Boswell, she partners with executive leadership to build training and development programs that strengthen supervisory capability and drive operational performance across the company's agricultural operations.

Before joining J.G. Boswell, Wotring held HR leadership roles at prominent agricultural companies, including The Wonderful Company and Del Monte Foods. A Fresno State agribusiness graduate, she has lived in California's Central Valley for more than 25 years and brings a deep understanding of the region's agricultural workforce. She is passionate about developing people and strengthening the industry's leadership pipeline.

"I'm honored to join the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation board," said Wotring. "CALF's work developing the next generation of agricultural leaders is vital to our industry's future, and I look forward to supporting that mission."

"Gladys will be an outstanding addition to the CALF board," said Mike Young (Class 35) "Her experience developing people and leaders within California agriculture aligns directly with our mission and brings a perspective that will strengthen our board. As Joel Kimmelshuel (Class 37) prepares to take the chair, I am excited about the leadership this group will bring to the Foundation. CALF is in very good hands."

Wotring joins 13 CALF board members, including Mike Young (35), Wegis & Young, chair; Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37), Land IQ, vice chair; Correen Davis (45), The Gorrill Ranch, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas (40), Reiter Affiliated Companies; Nikki Cossio, Measure to Improve LLC; Michael Frantz (36), Frantz Wholesale Nursery; Rob Goff (45), Wonderful Orchards; Fidela Irigoyen (21),; Erin O’Donnell (50), Sustainable Ag Advisors; Sal Parra Jr. (46), Bowles Farming; Paul Parreira (44), Parreira Almond Processing Co.; Davidson Pattiz, The Zenith; and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Fresno State.

The number in parentheses after a name indicates Ag Leadership Program class.

About the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation: The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation develops leaders for California agriculture through the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a 17-month fellowship offered in partnership with UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State and Chico State. Learn more at agleaders.org.