FOUNDATION NEWS
Serendipity: Lessons Learned in
ROB GOFF JOINS
the Age of COVID-19
CALF BOARD
BY THE CALF EDUCATION TEAM As we reflect on 2020 , the emergent theme was “serendipity.” Serendipity is defined as, “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” None of us could have predicted how the program would be impacted, how Class 50 fellows would respond, or how we would all learn some unintended positive lessons through the unique experience, resulting from COVID-19. Although virtual sessions don’t have the same impact as in-person sessions, informational seminars can be quite effective to supplement experiential learning, especially when the directions are clear and the sessions are well-structured. It is remarkable how much can be accomplished virtually, especially after we’ve all gotten more used to it. Because of the deep relationships already developed in Class 50, we have been able to translate the connection to the virtual format at least to some extent. Also, “virtuality” (if that’s a word) opens up a wide world of resources to us that might not otherwise be available. Speakers from all over could be included in our sessions and time constraints for travel are not a factor. Class 50 members have been remarkably resilient for putting up with the sudden shift and the disappointment about losing some of their opportunities and certainties. It shows that our selection process is a good one and it identifies people who are completely committed to their own personal development, at any cost. That type of loyalty is very heartwarming to see. The fellows of Class 50 have had ample opportunity to engage in critical thinking and dialogues about complex social issues, leadership challenges and the role of leaders in driving the change they wish to see in the world. As we move forward with Class 50, we continue to offer a series of monthly mini-seminars on topics that reinforce learning objectives in the existing curriculum and we look forward to resuming in-person experiences once it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, the CALF Education Team continues to look for innovative approaches to enhance and support the curriculum, including additional expert speakers, multimedia resources and blended learning tools to support connectivity over time.
Rob Goff (45) manages the farming operations on approximately 21,000 acres of almonds, pistachios and pomegranates, the harvest of 30,000 acres of pistachios and the research and development department for Wonderful Orchards. His academic background and early career were focused in forestry and natural resources management, however, for the past 13 plus years, he has enjoyed a career in the Kern County ag industry. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry and natural resources management. He stays involved with multiple industry and community related boards and committees. He is a certified arborist/utility specialist, pest control advisor, qualified applicator and certified crop advisor. Rob and his wife, Joyel, enjoy spending time with their children, Katie, 18, and Thomas, 15. They like to visit Central Coast beaches, backpack the Sierra Nevada Mountains and visit family in upstate New York.
Winter 2021 Horizons Correction In the winter 2021 issue of Horizons, photos of Adin Hester (3) and Don Nelson (4) were mistakenly switched on a special tribute page. We are very sorry for this mistake. Our intention in creating this memorial page was to honor our alumni. We have updated the digital copy, which is now available online at AgLeaders.org. We have also distributed new corrected copies to classes 3 and 4. We know that remembrances are important, especially at an organization where relationships and personal connections are such an integral part of what makes the program special. Please accept our sincerest apologies for this mistake.
Adin Hester (3)
DON NELSON (4) 4 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2021
