FEATURE STORY
Strategic Planning Update BY CALF PRESIDENT AND CEO DWIGHT FERGUSON
The purpose of strategic planning is to set overall goals for your business or organization and develop a plan to achieve them. It requires stepping back from day-to-day operations and asking where things are or should be headed and what your priorities should be. This was our intent when we initiated a new strategic planning process in January. It was also our intent to involve as many foundation stakeholders as possible. We had hundreds of contacts, including survey responses, interviews and priority team participation from constituents like our board of directors, alumni, Education Team members, staff, Class 50 fellows and multiple industry leaders. Feedback from these individuals has enabled us to create a plan which can now be summarized in the graphic on the following page. Due to the involvement of so many, we’re confident this plan will provide a successful roadmap for our near term future and ultimately, help us enhance our impact on California agriculture. Combined with the tactics and metrics staff has since added to it, the plan will direct our priorities and activities for years to come. All of us at CALF are excited about the possibilities associated with this plan!
8 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021
“The strategic planning process took a broad brush across classes, educators, age groups, stakeholders and alumni to update and refine the direction and strategy of CALF. This inclusion brought together ideas, tactics, suggestions and direction such that we keep an eye on the future and plan for it rather than get lost in the dust of yesterday.” -Holly King (24)
Holly King
“What excites me most about this strategic plan is that it was developed by a diverse group of stakeholders through an engaging and collaborative process. The plan, with its tangible goals and strategies, is one that we can all proudly stand by and support. I am excited for the future of the Ag Leadership Program and its impact, which because of this work, will multiply and be lasting.” -Jazmin Lopez (48)
Holly King (24)
Jazmin Lopez
“The California agribusiness industry will continue to evolve given many forces. This includes growing global markets, regulatory, water, labor impacts, innovative technologies and growing demand for enhanced sustainability in how and what we produce to supply the world. I’m excited about the strategic plan for the California Ag Leadership Foundation, which provides increased investment in our curriculum, our fellows and alumni to further unite and grow leaders in agriculture. I’m confident these strategic investments will result in growing strong leaders, which in turn will further position, unite and strengthen California agriculture in the years ahead!” -Gene Peterson, CALF Board of Directors
Gene Peterson
