horizons California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
S P R I N G 2017
CLASS 46 COMMENCEMENT
A Culture of Servant Leadership
We grow leaders who make a difference.
CHAIR MESSAGE
Leadership is About Relationships BY JEFF ELDER, CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS In February I attended one of my favorite events of the year, the Ag Leadership breakfast at the World Ag Expo in Tulare. Despite the rain and change of venue, the day didn’t disappoint. I thought all of our speakers hit it out of the park. Thanks to everyone involved for a great event. The highlight was our young keynote speaker talking about the challenges faced by our various generations. Specifically, “generational profiles” and how to gain “influence and connect” with these members of different generations. The speaker addresses the fact that we now have, particularly in ag, the possibility for five generations to be working together. And the different life experiences, methods of parenting and relationship with technology between the millennial generation and their grandparent are as wide as ever. One of the unique features of the Ag Leadership Program is that fellows are learning about leadership along with 23 other individuals. This provides the opportunity to learn how to lead while engaging classmates from different generations and with very different societal opinions. You don’t learn in the classroom and then are sent out in the world. You learn about leadership while you are out in the world and hopefully, as it is designed, outside of your comfort zone. It is a requirement of the selection committee to ensure that classes are diverse across regions of California, across commodities, across professions related to ag and a variety of age groups represented. Leadership is about building relationships where these differences exist. The importance of this was brought home during the Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast. In order to be a good leader, you have to embrace these differences and embrace the chance to influence and connect with a wide variety of opinions and personalities. All too often—as we know from many Ag Leadership class members who have parents and grandparents involved in their businesses—the older generations are reluctant to embrace the ideals and ideas of the younger generations. And although it is a worn out cliché, the younger generations need to appreciate the wisdom and experience of the older generations. The coaching aspect of the leadership program addresses this very nicely, because the coaching portion challenges classmates to better themselves and be aware of their prejudices to open themselves to new ideas. It is another instance where I am convinced that Ag Leadership is as necessary and relevant today as it has been at any time in its 48 year history.
CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair / Jeff Elder Vice Chair / Jim Maxwell Secretary - Treasurer / Eugene Peterson Immediate Past Chair / Loren Booth Karm Bains Rick Burnes Edwin Camp Bob Cherenson Helene Dillard Michael Hollister Ejnar Knudsen Mike Young
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CALF STAFF President / Barry Bedwell Director of Education / Dr. Michael Thomas Program Advisor / Dr. Charlie Crabb Financial Manager / Sharon Harney Program Coordinator / Judy Sparacino Enterprise Coordinator / Emily Lazzerini WRITER/EDITOR Liza Teixeira Robertson DESIGNER TMDcreative For staff email addresses, visit www.agleaders.org/about/foundation_staff
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
SPRING 2017 • www.agleaders.org
COVER STORY 6
Class 46 Commencement
FEATURES 5 10 12
Class 45 National Seminar Preview Class 46 Delivers Medical Supplies Leadership Focus by Dr. Bob Flores
DEPARTMENTS 2 2 3 14 16 18 19
Chair Message Calendar of Events Foundation News Alumni Council Update Alumni Events Alumni & Fellows News Donor Recognition
CALENDAR MAY
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Class 48 Phase 1 Applications Due Class 47 Seminar, San Luis Obispo Region 7 Recruitment Event, Arroyo Grande Class 48 Phase 2 Applications Due
FOUNDATION NEWS
Alumni Are the Key to Meeting Our Vision BY BARRY BEDWELL, CALF PRESIDENT
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has a very clear and distinct mission: “We grow leaders who make a difference.” The “difference” can be in the form of being a better person, a better family member, a more efficient business associate, a local community leader or even a high profile elected official. The curriculum of the California Ag Leadership Program has been specifically and wisely developed to “grow leaders from the inside out.” This concept is tied directly to hypothesis that in order to become a person of influence and therefore an effective leader, we must first understand ourselves. The foundation is also tied to the specific core values of integrity, vision, excellence, unity and diversity. These are not just words, but beliefs that guide the entire process of Ag Leadership. Additionally, we, as staff, the board or alumni, align our efforts to achieve three overarching core strategies that include the enhancement and leveraging of our priceless program, building the California ag network and creating a culture of volunteerism. All of the aforementioned core values and strategies lead us to the very important vision of the foundation which is to have “California agricultural leaders united as a catalyst for a vibrant industry.” This is truly the bottom line when it comes to a primary measurement of our success and validating the enormous investment that has been made by so many people in support of Ag Leadership over almost five decades. If our goal is to have California agricultural leaders working together to ensure prosperity, then the vehicle to achieve such a condition is dependent upon the active engagement of Ag Leadership alumni. There have been more than 1,300 incredibly bright and productive individuals who have gone through the program, yet the number of actively engaged graduates sits as a smaller number compared to those who seemingly suppose that leadership development somehow ends with the commencement ceremony.
In order to attain our vision of leaders united for a successful agricultural community, we, the staff, the foundation and the alumni, must grow the connectivity of ag leadership graduates on a continuing basis. The conviction that leadership development is a never ending journey must be instilled and accepted as the most basic of beliefs if we are going to be able to create the opportunity for increased alumni interaction. The foundation is committed to doing everything within its power to assist in building such opportunities for alumni. The current LifeLong Leadership Learning (L4) seminars have demonstrated some of the potential, on a regional basis, that continuing education activities can have on bringing alumni together. However, we realize that we must do more if we wish to bring the majority of alumni together in our quest to achieve our vision. As we work closely with the Alumni Council and its leadership team to formulate plans for events that will lead to the needed increased connectivity, we urge each and every Ag Leadership alumnus to remember why they went through the program, to understand that leadership development is a continual process and that they are the key to accomplishing the vision of the program. Thank you.
IF OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL LEADERS WORKING TOGETHER TO ENSURE PROSPERITY, THEN THE VEHICLE TO ACHIEVE SUCH A CONDITION IS DEPENDENT UPON THE ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT OF AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI.
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FOUNDATION NEWS
New Staff Member
CALF welcomed Sharon Harney to the team in January. As finance manager, she is responsible for the accounting operations of the foundation, in addition to alumni outreach and event coordination. She brings more than 30 years of accounting, human resource, 401(k) plan administration and office management experience in the agricultural, construction and medical fields. Sharon can be reached at sharney@agleaders.org.
Colusa Farm Show Breakfast
World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast
The 23rd annual World Ag Expo breakfast was held on Feb. 16 in Tulare. To date, the annual fundraising breakfast has raised more than $1 million for CALF. This year, more than 550 people attended and more than $95,000 was raised. Curt Steinhorst, business owner, entrepreneur and founder of FocusWise, was the event’s keynote speaker. Steinhorst spoke to the group about selling and marketing to millennials. Having spent years studying the impact of tech on human behavior, he now equips professionals across the world to work smarter and stronger in this constantly-connected age. Steinhorst is a leading voice on strategic communications in the age of distraction and a certified speaker at the Center for Generational Kinetics.
Sacramento Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception
The 15th annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast was held on Feb. 8. The popular fundraising event supports CALF and the CSU, Chico College of Agriculture, for scholarships and other academic needs. This year, more than 500 people attended and $50,000 was raised. Dorene “Dee Dee” D’Adamo was this year’s keynote speaker. D’Adamo was appointed to the State Water Resources Control Board by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013. She previously served on the California Air Resources Board from 1999-2013 under the Brown, Schwarzenegger and Davis administrations, where she was instrumental in the board’s air quality and climate change programs and regulations.
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On Feb. 28, the annual Sacramento Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception was held at the Sutter Club in Sacramento. The important social and networking event brought together California government leaders, agricultural industry leaders, Ag Leadership alumni and current program fellows. The annual event connects CALF to influential decision makers to further the goal of a strong and viable future for California agriculture. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross was in attendance and addressed the group about current ag issues. As part of the event, 1,200 pounds of fresh California produce was donated to the River City Food Bank. Thank you to everyone who attended our recent events!
NATIONAL SEMINAR PREVIEW
CLASS 47
NATIONAL SEMINAR PREVIEW BY LIZA TEIXEIRA ROBERTSON In early March, Class 47 fellows spent their national seminar in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. The goal of the seminar was to have fellows deepen their understanding of how our national government operates while taking an in depth look at pressing issues of national significance. In Baltimore, the fellows met with the pastor and founder of Newborn Community Faith Church, with Baltimoreans United In Leadership Development (BUILD) and with New Song Community Church. The session topics with these groups included reaching consensus and community development. The fellows of Class 47 also toured the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and discussed Chesapeake Bay environmental issues at the University of Maryland in College Park. In Gettysburg, the group participated in a guided tour of the battlefields with a licensed guide who led them through a reenactment of the battles and the leadership decision-making processes of the Battle of Gettysburg. Fellows role played several “crucial conversations” that took place between key generals at Gettysburg.
In Washington, D.C., fellows experienced local religious practices at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and explored the capital city. Other D.C. experiences included a meeting with the president and CEO of United Fresh Produce Association, a leadership and ethics conversation with alumni of the White House Fellows program, a policy formation exercise at the National Defense University, a visit to the Supreme Court of the United States, a discussion with an agricultural lobbyist about working with D.C. practitioners and a meeting with the American Chemistry Council’s Cal Dooley (13). The fellows also met with representatives Jim Costa, Devin Nunes (29), Jeff Denham, Jimmy Panetta and David Valadao. The program also included a meeting with Sen. Dianne Feinstein and members of her staff as well as the agricultural representative from Sen. Kamala Harris’ office. The seminar concluded with the D.C. Exchange Reception hosted by the D.C. Exchange selection committee. Guests included D.C. Exchange alumni, D.C. Exchange applicants and Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program participants at the USDA Whitten Building. A full recap, reflections and pictures of the national seminar will be in the summer issue of Horizons.
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CLASS 46 COMMENCEMENT
Class 46 Commencement
A CULTURE OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP BY LIZA TEIXEIRA ROBERTSON In early February, Class 46 fellows celebrated their California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) journey with a commencement ceremony held at California State University, Fresno. The event was a culmination of 17 months of personal assessment, change management, facilitative leadership, emotional intelligence development and a variety of leadership lessons, seminars and experiences. The event began with leadership remarks by Dr. Joseph Castro, president of California State University, Fresno. In his address to the class, Castro spoke about the importance of leadership to the future of California agriculture. “Fresno State is a proud partner of the California Ag Leadership Program,” said Castro. “We believe that the program contributes to the long-term viability of agriculture in California.” He also spoke about what it means to be a good leader. “Be yourself, be a good listener, be a good learner,” said Castro. “As a student of leadership, I continue to learn from others and it helps me to be a more effective and authentic leader. Be credible, follow your word—do what you say you’re going to do.” Castro closed his address by emphasizing to the class the importance of empathy as they move forward as leaders in their communities and in the ag industry. “Be compassionate,” said Castro. “If you always consider how your decisions will impact other people, I know you will grow as leaders. Remember that the future of agriculture in our region, state, nation and world is bright because we have leaders like you.”
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In his first commencement since assuming the position of California Ag Leadership Foundation president, Barry Bedwell (13), addressed the crowd of fellows and Ag Leadership friends and supporters.
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“It’s a true honor and privilege to be here today,” said Bedwell. “Memories of my class come rushing back to me as I look out at Class 46.” Bedwell noted how encouraged he has been by the fellows and their dedication to the program and to their futures as leaders. “Thank you for your commitment to leadership,” said Bedwell. “As you move forward in your leadership journey, it’s important to have a vision, have a plan and always pursue excellence in all you do.” Bedwell concluded his address by remarking on the importance of remaining involved in Ag Leadership, even after completing the program. “We need you to consistently connect with Ag Leadership because you are the future of California agriculture,” said Bedwell. The program continued with a presentation of Class 46’s project by Randy Hopkins (46). Hopkins, who works as a vice president for Provost & Pritchard, was passionate about the work he and his classmates had accomplished to repair a Little League baseball field and stadium in Firebaugh. As of the commencement, the class had raised $40,000 to renovate the venue which was created by World War II veterans more than 70 years ago. Another of Class 46’s projects was presented by Beau Howard (46). Howard, a production agronomist and pest control adviser for the J.G. Boswell Company, spoke about the work his class did to provide medical supplies to a hospital in rural Jordan during their international seminar. Howard continued by thanking Dr. Berj Apkarian, who was in attendance, for all the work he did and for the instrumental role he played in helping Class 46 with their humanitarian effort. (Read more about the medical supplies project on page 10). “You might not always know all the details, or why you’re doing it, but you know it’s going to help someone in need, and that’s why we did it,” said Howard. “This was the type of leadership
lesson you couldn’t have learned any other way.” The program continued with the presentation of Class 46’s video by Marc Metzer (46), general manager of Metzer Farms and Melissa Heinrich (46), a senior director for Global Food Sourcing. Metzer and Heinrich noted that there would have been no way to fully encompass their 17-month leadership journey into a fiveminute video, but that they had done their best to include pictures from some of the group’s most impactful moments. Dr. Michael Thomas, CALF’s director of education, thanked Class 46 for allowing him to be a part of their profound journey and complimented them for what they had accomplished during their time in the program. “We had a wonderful journey together,” said Thomas. “You are my friends, you have my respect. You will do so much good if you continue to find joy in helping people.” Thomas continued by thanking the fellows for their servant leadership. “Thank you for being willing to be servant leaders, thank you for helping others,” said Thomas. “I am thankful that Class 46 has done good—they have truly helped people. They have a culture of servant leadership that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Thank you for sharing what you have and for looking outside yourself and finding joy.” Following Dr. Thomas’ remarks, three Class 46 fellows spoke about their personal experiences in the program. Zach Bagley, a tomato crop supervisor for Olam Spices and Vegetable Ingredients, began by reflecting on what he had attained in the program. “This is a commencement—somebody must think we have attained something,” said Bagley. “The use of this word, commencement, signals that the same group that believes we have attained something believes that something for us is just beginning.”
CLASS 46 COMMENCEMENT
“I GAINED 24 FAMILY MEMBERS— CALLING THEM FRIENDS WOULD BE PUTTING IT LIGHTLY. WE’VE LAUGHED AND CRIED TOGETHER AND WE HAVE A BOND THAT KEEPS US TOGETHER.” -SHAUN RAMIREZ (46)
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CLASS 46 COMMENCEMENT
“IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE UNITY, DIVERSITY, INTEGRITY, EXCELLENCE AND VISION TO MAKE LEADERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” -BARRY BEDWELL (13), CALF PRESIDENT
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CLASS 46 COMMENCEMENT
Shannon Douglass, owner of CalAg Jobs, followed Bagley and spoke about trying to explain the impact Ag Leadership had on her. “It’s hard to describe the ‘what’ we did,” said Douglass. “It was such a profound experience that it’s hard to articulate our experience. The life experiences of my classmates added to the depth of my experience and it has made me a better wife, mom, businesswoman and a better person.” Douglass added that the program and her classmates impacted her in a very sincere way. “The program is of a caliber that you will not find anywhere else,” said Douglass. “My classmates allowed me to have such deep personal growth.” The final reflection was made by Shaun Ramirez, a food safety and safety coordinator for The Specialty Crop Company. Ramirez spoke about how the program helped him to express himself. “Ag Leadership taught me how to tell my story in a way that it made an impact,” said Ramirez. “The program pushed me to my limits and I know now that I have a chance to make a difference.”
Before the class was presented with their completion certificates, they thanked the core faculty members, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Perry and Dr. Flores, for being their mentors and friends and for giving them gentle nudges to help them become their best selves. Each fellow also presented their families with a bouquet of flowers as a sign of their appreciation. “The gift of family is incomparable,” said Tony Ortiz (46). “Thank you for your moral support and dedication.” After the fellows were presented with their certificates, Jeff Elder (35), chair of the California Ag Leadership Foundation’s board, welcomed the fellows to life after Ag Leadership.
“THE PROGRAM GAVE ME A CHANCE TO FIND OUT WHERE I WAS AND TO GROW AS A PERSON AND A LEADER. I GREW IN A WAY THAT I NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED. OUR JOURNEY AS LEADERS IS JUST BEGINNING.” -JOHNNA HEPNER (46)
“You’re now walking through the threshold to the alumni community—I’m proud to be the first one to welcome you,” said Elder. “I look forward to seeing what you do for California agriculture.” The program concluded with closing remarks from Johnna Hepner (46), director of food safety and technology for the Produce Marketing Association.
Thank you to Wells Fargo for its generous sponsorship of Class 46’s Commencement
“This day has been a reflection of an amazing journey—a life-altering journey,” said Hepner. “I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
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CLASS 46 PROJECT
Class 46
Delivers Medical Supplies to Jordanian Hospital BY LIZA TEIXEIRA ROBERTSON In the fall of 2016, the fellows of Class 46 traveled to Jordan, Israel and Greece for their two-week international seminar. Part of the seminar included delivering $250,000 worth of medical equipment and supplies to a Jordanian hospital in need of help. “As we learned about the need in the area, we felt that this medical relief project needed to be done,” said Randy Hopkins (46). “How could you not help people in such need when you have the opportunity to do so?” The project was made possible through a partnership with Community Medical Centers (CMC), Tim Joslin, CEO and president of CMC and Dr. Berj Apkarian, CMC’s vice president of physician relations. Dr. Apkarian—who travelled with the class on their mission to deliver the supplies—is also the first Honorary Counsel of the Republic of Armenia in the United States. “Berj guided us effortlessly through airports, customs and many checkpoints without any delays. To say we were relieved there were no glitches was an understatement,” said Gayle Holman (46). “Class 46 is extremely grateful to CMC for making this journey a safe and successful one.
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“Thanks to the generosity of Community Medical Centers and Dr. Apkarian’s selfless vision to help those in need, fellows of Class 46 were able to deliver $250,000 of much needed medical supplies to Madaba, Jordan,” said Beau Howard (46). Dr. Apkarian, a Syrian immigrant—nearly 40 years ago—was instrumental in the coordination of the regulatory aspect of delivering the donated equipment. “Dr. Apkarian taught all of Class 46 a valuable lesson in servant leadership. His passion and enthusiasm to do good in this world embodied the ‘vision and decision’ approach to leadership that the fellows of our class found so valuable during our international seminar,” said Howard. Before the international seminar, several Fresno-area Class 46 fellows met at Dr. Apkarian’s house to inventory the muchneeded supplies the class would be taking with them to Jordan to provide relief to those affected by the Syrian refugee crisis. “We are truly grateful to CMC for the donation of the supplies and to Dr. Apkarian for accompanying us on the trip to be part of the project,” said Hopkins. “We are also grateful to the foundation, donors and alumni who made this possible for us and led us by their example.”
The 24 fellows of Class 46 took with them 28 suitcases and 14 backpacks filled with blood pressure cuffs, ultrasound machines, dental instruments, small electrocardiogram (EKG) machines, IV pumps, glucose monitors, surgical supplies and pediatric scales. The donation was made to the Al Nadeem Hospital in Madaba, located south of Amman. The government-run hospital has been greatly impacted by Syrian refugees. “As we donated the supplies to the hospital, it was evident on the faces of all of the people in the room—doctors, nurses, technicians, etc.—that they were genuinely excited and grateful for the equipment,” said Hopkins. “As the hospital director gave us the tour, we could see they were in desperate need, the facility is nothing like we have here in the U.S. I was proud to be doing work like this and grateful for the opportunity.” In addition to the donation of medical supplies, the fellows’ explorations in Jordan included Amman, Madaba and Petra. While there, they spent time at various historical sites, including St. George’s Church, the Temple of Hercules, the Amman Citadel, Mount Nebo and the Jordan River baptismal site. They also spent a night in a Bedouin Camp. In Jordan, the seminar content focused on distribution of the donated medical equipment, water infrastructure, refugee integration and much more.
CLASS 46 PROJECT
“THE PROJECT FELL INTO OUR LAPS THROUGH THE SERVANT LEADERSHIP EXAMPLE AND NETWORK OF DR. MICHAEL THOMAS. WE WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS GRAND OPPORTUNITY TO HELP INDIVIDUALS IN JORDAN AND IT WILL FOREVER BE INDELIBLY STAMPED UPON OUR MINDS AND HEARTS. WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL AND UNPACKING THE SUPPLIES, THE LOCAL WOMEN WENT AGAINST THEIR CULTURAL-NORM AND SHOWED GREAT EMOTION AND EXCITEMENT WHEN WE PRESENTED THE MOBILE ULTRASOUND MACHINES. THIS IS WHEN I, AND OTHER CLASSMATES, KNEW WE WERE TRULY HELPING. MOMENTS AND ACTS LIKE THIS DO WELL FOR THE GIVERS’ AND THE RECEIVERS’ SOULS AND FAITH IN HUMANITY. “ DENISE MOORE (46)
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LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Trusting the Team Is First and Foremost BY DR. ROBERT FLORES, CORE FACULTY MEMBER, CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO
What do leaders do when thrown into a new environment with a group of new people? And, what do aspiring leaders do when thrown into a new environment with a group of aspiring leaders? What is the difference between the two questions? The first question may very well be what occurs in industry on a regular basis. The second question directly reflects what occurs when a new class of fellows begins the Agricultural Leadership Program. However, both questions might elicit the same response – develop as a team! This article is a reflective piece on the importance of team building as a precursor to beginning the hard work that is inherent in most situations involving leaders. Leaders cannot skip to the front of the line and declare that the position or background they have earned automatically entitles the leader to be followed. Most leaders quickly learn that there is usually some apprehension and suspicion on the part of everyone present when change has just occurred. So, how does one break the ice and cause everyone to move in a positive direction as a part of a cohesive group? Team building exercises! The California Agricultural Leadership Program selects a new class of 24 fellows annually. The 24 aspiring leaders arrive at the first seminar unsure of what is in store for them. Each fellow quickly learns that the room is full of accomplished professionals. Many emotions confront them – surprise, anticipation, anxiety, uneasiness and fear are among the first emotions that emerge. The fellows quickly realize that the foundation brought together 24 strangers who are now going to spend the next 17 months together as a cohort of learners.
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One of the outcomes of the program is to transform the participants into leaders who are self-aware. Although many may think they fully understand themselves, the opposite is often the case. Readily identifying one’s own behaviors and recognizing how others may see him/her is something that requires deep reflection and honest feedback. Reflection and feedback require a safe environment whereby each of the fellows feels comfortable sharing
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ideas and thoughts without feeling that they are being judged. A group of 24 fellows will not automatically spill their guts if trust is not present in the room. Hence, team building early in the experience provides opportunities to learn about each other while learning with each other. Fellows of the most recent graduating class, Class 46, offered reflections of their experience as it relates to team building and subsequent building of trust. Their comments are as follows: “Any organization is only as strong as the weakest link,” said Gayle Holman (46). “By conducting team building exercises early-on in the Ag Leadership journey, we learned to trust each other…. it was that teamwork ethic that carried us through many situations from a classroom setting to traveling to countries across the globe. Ag Leadership provides a unique experience where one can simultaneously strengthen one’s self while learning the value of strength as a team.” “Team building activities give fellows the experience and structure to trust one another,” said Salvador Parra, Jr. (46). “It allowed me to be vulnerable in the group. It builds camaraderie in the class by making everyone equal. We are all one team, it is not a competition. My personal development and growth was due to the trust I had in each and every fellow. I was able to face and share difficult moments in my life. This can only be done with trust. I faced my fears and overcame them. Doing so allowed me to grow as a person.”
LEADERSHIP FOCUS
“The importance of a team building session early in the leadership part of the process had a big impact on my journey as a member of experience is to break down the walls we placed when meeting our Class 46. Some of those team building exercises allowed me to see 23 classmates and to start the transformation of developing us into a that we were all not that much different even with the diversity of support team and family,” said Denise Moore (46). “We had to create fellows in the class. Trusting my colleagues is what allowed me to bonds, listen and trust our open up to the process of learning classmates which is imperative about myself. When the process got through the Ag Leadership difficult in some of the seminars, process. Becoming a support I could count on them to help get team for each other aids in the me through. I also found that I “WE HAD TO CREATE BONDS, LISTEN ability to have a safe place, be could help with some of the things vulnerable, get outside of our that I was strong at. It’s great for AND TRUST OUR CLASSMATES WHICH IS box and ultimately grow into confidence, accountability and IMPERATIVE THROUGH THE AG LEADERSHIP respected leaders.” personal growth.”
PROCESS. BECOMING A SUPPORT TEAM
“Establishing a safe The fellows’ comments you just FOR EACH OTHER AIDS IN THE ABILITY TO environment and a strong read would be echoed by the other level of trust amongst fellows in the class. Developing a HAVE A SAFE PLACE, BE VULNERABLE, GET fellows is critical to the deep leadership team takes more than OUTSIDE OF OUR BOX AND ULTIMATELY change that must take place a lecture or presentation by an for fellows to get the full expert in the field. It requires a GROW INTO RESPECTED LEADERS.” benefit of the California Ag commitment to self-development Leadership Program,” said and a willingness to take risks with Beau Howard (46). “We all strangers who are soon to be part of -DENISE MOORE (46) have insecurities and inner the learning team. Team building challenges that are difficult exercises among a group of talented to confront alone…. and even and committed professionals are more difficult to challenge the precursors to building trust. in a group setting. Having Employers are challenged to seek the trust and support of everyone in the class helped me make those opportunities to bring employees together in developing the team necessary changes to expand my leadership potential.” and creating a safe environment. What is learned in the California Agricultural Leadership Program as it relates to team building and “Learning how to trust each other early helps a fellow find ways to trust is readily transferable to the workplace. becoming more open in the process,” said Erin Amaral (46). “This
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ALUMNI COUNCIL
Getting Stuff Done — Alumni Council’s Motto for 2017 BY DEANNA VAN KLAVEREN (32)
After two years of gathering information, strategic planning and fine tuning, the Alumni Council is starting to get traction and working on “getting stuff done.”
At the February Alumni Council meeting in Clovis, the regional directors started working on their action plans. Each region is creating a plan that will help fulfill the Alumni Council’s six strategic initiatives: 1) develop a process to engage alumni to increase participation; 2) continue to define the structure, roles and responsibilities for the Alumni Council; 3) establish fundraising SMART (strategic, measurable, agreed upon, realistic, timely) goals; 4) enhance the pool of applicants to the California Ag Leadership Program; 5) create an alumni database with more data points and confirm accuracy of current information and 6) increase expectations of fellows of each new class and process to integrate them into the alumni with thoughtfulness to the individuality of each region. The regional directors are also beginning to reach out to alumni to help with supporting the activities in the action plan—through
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Deanna van Klaveren (32)
contributions of their time, treasure and talent. In addition, the foundation is helping to gather more alumni contact information to create a better database that will help the Alumni Council connect with alumni. A list of the regional directors can be found online at agleaders.org/alumni_council. In December, we welcomed Glenn Proctor (29) as Region 2’s regional director. Glenn has worked for the Ciatti Company since 2003 and became a partner in 2007. He advises wineries on supply positioning and works closely with growers and wineries in marketing their grapes and wine. He specializes in spot and contract bulk wine and grape sales from all regions of California. He has more than 23 years of experience in wine supply strategy, winegrape quality improvement, brand strategy and business development. He also owns Puccioni Vineyards, which he manages with his wife, Laurie. Glenn is the fourth California generation of Puccioni winegrowers in California. He attended Healdsburg High School, Fresno State for his bachelor’s degree in viticulture and then UC Davis for his master’s degree in viticulture. Glenn began his career by working with Glen Ellen Winery and Benziger Family Winery in the late 1980s and at BV and Sterling where he was vice president of wine growing and worked with all the BV and Sterling wines and grapes. Since commencement, he has participated on a regional and final selection committee and has also been a consistent financial supporter of the foundation. Glenn can be contacted at: glenn@ciatti.com and (707) 337-0609.
Melissa Duflock (40)
Mike Young (35)
ALUMNI COUNCIL
Mica Heilmann (40)
Chase Hurley (35)
The Alumni Council is also beginning to seat the at-large director positions. These positions focus on positioning servant leaders who have an expertise in one of the six strategic initiative areas and who will support alumni statewide to achieve the initiatives. The current at-large directors are: Mike Young (35) was appointed by the CALF board of directors to serve as board liaison; Chase Hurley (35) was appointed by the Alumni Council’s executive committee to serve as external activities at-large director to oversee D.C. Exchange, California Exchange and interactions with other ag leadership programs that visit our state and Corrinne Davis (45) and Domenick Buck (46) have been appointed by the education team to serve as the Education Team liaisons. Corrinne and Domenick will be in positions of trust as they work as liaisons between the Ed Team and the Alumni Council to help shape the direction of the program. As the Alumni Council moves forward, it will be supported by an interim executive team. Bill Van Skike (32) as chairperson, Deanna van Klaveren (32) as secretary/treasurer and Mica Heilmann (40) will support the regional directors while the new process is implemented. There are also activities that continue to move forward with the support of our alumni. Thank you to Chase Hurley (35) and Melissa Duflock (40) for taking the lead on D.C. Exchange which will be held in Regions 7, 8 and 9 in September of this year. We are also forming a team in Region 4 to support the California Exchange program which will be held late this summer.
Corrinne Davis (45)
Domenick Buck (46)
One of the other goals for the Alumni Council is to create alumni gatherings. At our May meeting, the group will examine the Life-Long Leadership Learning (L4) seminars, the all-class reunion and many great ideas that have been shared for opportunities to bring alumni together, to fill their leadership “tool boxes” and to engage in the foundation’s mission and vision. The Alumni Council is excited about putting together opportunities for our alumni! Thank you to Mica Heilmann (40) and Noelle Cremers (35) for serving as Alumni Council representatives to the Ed Team. Mica and Noelle served two consecutive terms during the time the Alumni Council was restructuring. Their service provided continuity and stability during the transition period. Thank you to Matt Fisher (41) for his support in the transition and help in implementing the strategic alignment plan. The Alumni Council has been able to work through this process with support from people like Matt who have stepped up as servant leaders—by giving of their time, talent and treasure to the process. The foundation is grateful. Thank you, Matt. The Alumni Council sapling has been planted, now we work towards supporting it to bear fruit that will feed the foundation and alumni for years to come!
Matt Fisher (41)
Bill Van Skike (32)
Noelle Cremers (35)
Glenn Proctor (29)
Matt Fisher (41)
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SPRING 2017 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
ALUMNI EVENTS
RECENT EVENTS THANK YOU
16
Region 4 Recruitment Event, Jan. 31 Rachelle Antinetti (42) Yvonne Sams (45) Matt Toste (41) Deanna Van Klaveren (32)
Cindy Myers (22) James Neeley (26) Richard Nunes (37) John Shaap (39) Jim Sullins (19) Ray Van Beek (37)
Region 6 Recruitment Event, Feb. 2 Jeff Boldt (40) Hal Collin (14) Mandy Critchley (37) Gail Gray (22) Kevin Herman (21) Nomie Kautz (30) Stan Kjar Jr. (45) Heather Mulholland (44) Vernon Peterson (41) Rick Stark (39) Rod Stark (29) Tim Vaux (31)
Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception, Feb. 28 Dennis Albiani (32) Manpreet Bains (43) Barry Bedwell (13) Mike Campbell (3) Noelle Cremers (35) Sue DiTomaso (32) Stephanie Etcheverria (43) Missy Gable (40) Mica Heilmann (40) Emily Lazzerini Garry Pearson (38) Deanna van Klaveren (32)
Colusa Farm Show Breakfast, Feb. 8 Lewis Bair (33) Terry Bressler (30) Christie Capik Bill Carriere (27) Colleen Cecil Charlie Crabb Jack Coots (27) Holly Dawley (38) Sarah DeForest (39) Les Heringer (13) Mark Kimmelshue (28) Emily Lazzerini Tom Martin Sam Nevis (32) Justin Nunes John Weiler (22)
Region 10 Recruitment Event, March 19 Bob (17) and Anne Atkins Bryan Foley (39) Liz Silva (41)
Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast, Feb. 16 Bill Adams (32) Russ Bassett (16) Fred Berry (20) Tricia Stever Blattler (34) Gus Collin (3) Mandy Critchley (37) Nomie Kautz (30) Beth Knudsen (37) Lynn Knudsen Fred Lagomarsino (19) Soapy McCarthy Mulholland (25)
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2017
Fresno Common Threads, March 22 Ross Borba, Jr. Gary Brunsvik Carol Chandler Georgene Diener Shannon Fast Jackie Giacomazzi Alcidia Freitas Gomes Sadie Hemsath Emily Lazzerini Soapy McCarthy Mulholland (25) Karen Musson Cindy Myers (22) Debbie Raven Kim Rogina (25) Lorna Roush Louise Silacci Rod Stark (29) Annie Stuhr Helen Sullivan Cristel Tufenkjian Mai Vang Marsha Vucovich Betty Young
Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception
Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception
Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast
ALUMNI EVENTS
Region 6 Recruitment Event
Colusa Farm Show Breakfast
Colusa Farm Show Breakfast
Region 6 Recruitment Event
Region 6 Recruitment Event
Fresno Common Threads
Fresno Common Threads
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SPRING 2017 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
ALUMNI & FELLOWS NEWS Classes 10-19
Randy (14) and Brad (17) Lange received
the Business of the Year Award from the Lodi Chamber of Commerce for Lange Twins Winery.
Dan Marcum (16) was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board in December. Marcum’s appointment requires Senate confirmation and will expire at the end of Sept. 2019. Classes 20–29
Mark McKean (20) was awarded the 2017
Farm Press/Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award.
Deidre Kelsey (25) recently retired from the Merced County Board of Supervisors after more than 21 years of service. Kelsey ran her first campaign while on the international seminar to India, Pakistan and Nepal with Class 25. Tim O’Halloran (25) was featured in two
Daily Democrat articles about water issues in Yolo County: Jan. 4, “Woodland council learns more about groundwater sustainability,” and Feb. 7, “Groundwater management will require cooperation.”
Ken Oneto (25) was featured in a March 1 Ag
Alert article, “Farmers assess impact of flooded fields,” about farmers whose orchards, vineyards or farmland flooded during the January and February storms.
Nick Pasculli (27) was honored by the
Monterey Bay Business Hall of Fame for his 25 years of service to the agriculture industry. Pasculli is founder, president and creative director for Salinas, CA-based TMD Creative.
Mark Grewal (28) was featured in a Feb. 12
CBS47 news story about S&W Seed company trademarking Stevia plants.
Devin Nunes (29) was featured in a March
20 ABC30 news story, “All eyes on Valley Congressman Devin Nunes during wiretapping hearings” and a March 19 NBC News article, “Trump-Russia investigation: a former dairy farmer, Rep. Devin Nunes leads historic probe.”
Glenn Proctor (29) spoke at the Sonoma County Dollars & Sense Seminar on Jan. 12 in Santa Rosa. Proctor updated the group about the current dynamics of the north coast wine and grape industry. Classes 30-39
Tim Vaux (31) received the Significant Sig
Award from the International Sigma Chi Fraternity. The award recognizes members who have achieved high levels of professional success.
Julie Morris (33) is publishing her first novel,
“Exit Strategy” this spring. The novel is based on an E.coli outbreak in the produce industry.
Poppy Davis (35) has recently been appointed to the LL.M. in agricultural and food law at the University of Arkansas Law School for the spring 2017 academic term as an adjunct professor, teaching a new online course in agricultural income tax.
Jeana Hultquist (38) was elected to serve as secretary for the Center for Land-Based Learning’s board of directors. The nonprofit’s mission is to inspire, educate and cultivate future generations of farmers, agricultural leaders and natural resource stewards.
Classes 40-47
Heidi Harris (43) is co-lead for the California
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Strategic Leadership Development Program. In her role, Harris helps to develop high potential supervisors who aspire to leadership roles beyond their current geographical areas and beyond supervisory level.
Paul Parreira (44) was featured in a Feb. 27 Your Central Valley Today story, “Local business owners introduced to new energy technology,” about an energy source that could cut the costs of running his almond farm. Brandon Souza (44) was hired as vice president / marketing strategist for Rabobank food and ag commercial. He began the position in January. Tony Ortiz (46) was appointed in January to the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors by Gov. Brown. Ortiz was also elected commissioner for District 4 (southern end of Santa Barbara County south to Mexico) of the California Cut Flower Commission in Nov. 2016. He began his term this January. Chris Drew (47) was a guest on the television show, “State Plate” on the INSP channel in February. In the episode, Drew teaches host, Taylor Hicks, about harvesting artichokes. Jenny Moffitt (47) was a guest on a February episode of NPR’s “Here & Now” about soil health in California.
Multiple Classes
Nat DiBuduo (6) and Glenn Proctor (29) spoke at the Unified Symposium State of the Industry Panel on Jan. 25 in Sacramento.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE? PLEASE SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS OR NEWS TO: liza.teixeira@agleaders.org
18 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2017
DONOR SUPPORT
THANK YOU
January 1, 2017 - March 31, 2017
$95,000 Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast
$60 Sandy Fiack
$55,000 Almond Board of California
$50 Jason and Jacqueline Pucheu
$29,000 Reiter Affiliated Companies, LLC
$32.49 Amazon Smile
$25,000 Western Growers Association
In Memory of Dean Buchinger (3) Franklin and Jane Barnes: $100
$10,000 Farm Credit West, CoBank and American AgCredit Farm Credit West, CoBank, American AgCredit and Fresno Madera Farm Credit John and Sheila Lake
In Honor of Randy Hopkins (46) Lonna Torrico: $250
$8,500 Rabobank, N.A. $5,000 Wells Fargo (Gene Peterson) Woolf Farming and Processing $2,500 Pleasant Valley Ranch, LLC (Paul and Yvonne Murai) $1,000 Jim and James Rickert The Robert & Barbara Ditmore Family Fund $500 Advanced Environmental Concepts, Inc. California Poultry Federation Cynthia Cory Bill Lewis $250 William Bennett II CRS Farming, LLC John DeRuiter Fork Lift Specialities, Inc. Fred Rau Dairy, Inc. Paul Sousa David Warter $200 Lori Frommer
In Memory of Leo Marihart, Jr. (1) Tom Dungan: $300 Dutchman Farms: $250 Less and Claudia Guthrie: $250 D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California: $200 Friends at Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss Attorneys At Law: $200 Robert Simmons: $200 Franklin and Jane Barnes: $100 Virginia Gable: $100 Stephanie Lanzilotta: $100 Leilani Levig, Julie Swart and Chris Vestal: $100 Michael Lima: $100 Joanne Nissen: $100 R.L. Schafer & Associates: $100 Daniela Ballard: $75 Dorothy Kirk: $50 Ed and Shelley Loescher: $50 Lozano, Lozano & Company: $50 Clarence and Laverne Lima: $25 In Memory of Cliff Sadoian (11) Caroline Berry: $50 In Honor of Somach, Simmons & Dunn Law’s 25th Anniversary J. Mark Atlas: $100 In Kind TMD Creative: $2,000 Caroline Berry Consulting: $1,000 Meredith Ritchie Communications: $900 Rod and Carol Stark: $753 Barry Bedwell: $708.40 Mulholland Citrus: $550
$100 Rick Barnes Gayle Holman Union Bank Doris Uyeda $90 Jeff Stephens $75 Mary-Ann Warmerdam
19 SPRING 2017 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
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