FOUNDATION MESSAGE
Updated Values Provide a Roadmap for the Future BY DWIGHT FERGUSON CALF PRESIDENT AND CEO The foundation’s recent strategic planning process provided us with a roadmap for increasing our impact on California agriculture. It also enabled us to update our mission, vision and value statements, identify specific and measurable goals, and clarify our critical priorities. I’m pleased with and proud of the work that’s been done, especially considering how many Ag Leadership stakeholders were involved. Nearly 400 alumni, board directors, CALF Education Team members, current and past staff, Class 50 fellows, ag industry leaders and friends contributed their time and talent throughout the process. The result of this process is a plan we can all believe in and use as a strategic filter when considering opportunities and conducting the foundation’s business. This is especially true for our updated values and corresponding definition statements, including those to the right. We’ve had stated values at the foundation for years, but I believe they’ve never been as clearly defined as these. Perhaps not as timely either. You can read much more about our new strategic plan starting on page 8. I’m sure you’ll also enjoy and appreciate this issue’s features on our new interim co-directors of education (who also contributed several pertinent book recommendations for this magazine), alumni perspectives as they relate to important historical experiences, an Alumni Council update and information about our new Leaders are Readers book club. Everyone associated with producing Horizons is committed to ensuring it reflects our foundation’s values. As always, please call me at (831) 585-1030 or send me a note at dferguson@agleaders.org if you have any comments or questions regarding the foundation.
UPDATED VALUES AND DEFINITIONS Integrity
We demonstrate transparency and honesty to build trust and foster alignment among all stakeholders.
Excellence
We embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and service at the highest level in all that we do, and we are committed to delivering programs and services that are relevant, challenging and leading-edge.
Respect
We respect and value the dignity, humanity and diversity of all, and demonstrate this in all we do.
3 SUMMER 2021 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
