Leadership in Motion

By Lesa Eidman (49)

Last week, I had the pleasure of spending time with Class 54 fellows during their Pomona seminar. It was an inspiring experience to witness the dedication and enthusiasm of our fellows firsthand. The curriculum was engaging and the interactions with the individual fellows were truly enriching. Seeing the CALF Education Team in action reaffirmed the strength and impact of our program.

I am thrilled to introduce a new column to In Touch – a message from the class. This column will provide current fellows with an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and share insights into the program's current learnings. Alumni of Ag Leadership: you will recognize that the core curriculum and the foundational learnings of the Diamond Model of Leadership (Dr. Pat Lattore) remain intact and have been enhanced to meet the demands of our ever-evolving world.

April 1 marked the deadline for phase one of the Class 55 applications. It is remarkable to see that once again, more than 100 applications were received! Thank you to all the alumni who hosted prospective applicant events, provided mentorship to applicants and continue to support the program. Your continued commitment as alumni is truly appreciated.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to Ag Leadership. Please contact me at leidman@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Class 54 / Pomona Seminar

Investing Our Attention, Expanding our Influence

In April, the fellows of Class 54 gathered in Pomona for a deeply reflective seminar focused on the theme of power, attention and leadership. We explored how the simple act of noticing – where we place our attention – shapes not only our effectiveness, but our integrity as leaders. As we heard on day one, “Attention is our currency.” What we notice, praise, question or ignore communicates our values more than words ever could. For leaders, attention is a force multiplier: it builds culture, fuels empathy and signals what truly matters.

Dr. Peggy Perry (9) reminded us that while leadership is rooted in people and purpose, influence depends on how we wield our power. Whether drawn from expertise, position or trust, power is most effective when aligned with character. This insight was further deepened during Dr. Nessie Early’s session – The Real Power Model – which revealed that true leadership grows through reflection, humility and a willingness to move beyond ego.

We had the opportunity to explore organizational change with Dr. Jennifer Brown, using Kotter’s Eight-Step Change Model to map our roles in transformation. Time management strategies rounded out the seminar, reminding us that how we spend our time is how we shape our lives and our leadership.

We were grateful for the presence of Kyle Collins (53), who returned to complete the seminar he had previously missed, and new CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49). Kyle reminded us that while every class feels like the best, the true strength of the program lies in each fellow’s commitment to one another and to raising the bar for what’s possible. Their presence offered a meaningful reminder of the lasting connections, growth and impact that Ag Leadership continues to foster.

We left Pomona with renewed energy, ready to focus our attention on growth, purpose and the leaders we each aspire to become.

With Gratitude,

Class 54

Class 55 Phase Two Applications Due May 13

If you know someone who has an application in progress, please remind them about the phase two application deadline.

Class 55 Screening

Alumni: If you're interested in supporting the screening process, please reach out to Judy Sparacino. Our greatest need is for assistance with the second phase of application screening, which takes place online in late May. This is meaningful work that can be done remotely.

We're also continuing to strengthen our in-person screening committees. This role involves a full-day, in-person commitment, a virtual training session and significant preparation in advance.

If you're not contacted to serve this year, we'll keep your information on file for future opportunities. Thank you for your continued support!

D.C. Exchange Applications Deadline Extended

The D.C. Exchange application period has been extended to May 1, 2025. If you know of an eligible applicant, please provide them with the link to the application.

CALF Welcomes New Board Member

Davidson Pattiz, CEO of Zenith Insurance Company, has joined CALF's board of directors. He has worked for Zenith, a leader in property and casualty insurance for the California agriculture industry, since 2005. He began his current role in January 2025 after spending 19 years in various roles within the company, including president and chief operating officer.

“I am extremely honored to welcome Davidson to our dedicated board of directors,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “An enthusiastic champion of Ag Leadership for many years, he has a strong appreciation for its impact on California agriculture. Davidson’s depth of business experiences as well as strategic perspectives, leadership skills and positive attitude will be instrumental as we continue advancing our mission and vision.”

Gratitude for Service to Ag Leadership

Raven Mariani has stepped down from her role as alumni engagement manager in order to dedicate more time to her family. Her final day was April 4. She joined the foundation in July 2024 and was instrumental in implementing alumni relations programs and outreach strategies while promoting a culture of service volunteerism among alumni. We are grateful for Raven's service to Ag Leadership and extend our best wishes to her and her family.

Join Our Team!

CALF is seeking an individual who is passionate about making a difference and fostering connections within the California ag industry. This position will play a key role in promoting a culture of service and volunteerism among our Ag Leadership alumni. Are you interested or know someone who might be? Please share this exciting opportunity!

End of Fiscal Year is Fast Approaching

It's hard to believe, but there are only two and a half months left in our fiscal year, which means there's still time to contribute to the 2024-25 Class Challenge.

Remember, it’s not about how much is raised, but how many in each class participate. Every gift counts: financial, time volunteered or in-kind.

Thank you to all who have supported in 2024-25 thus far!

To see where your class ranks, please contact your class liaison or email Jodi Litz.

Horizons Subscription Preferences

Partner Universities Name New Deans

CALF congratulates Dr. Ethan Orr and Dr. Ashley Stokes on their appointments as deans of two of Ag Leadership's partner universities.

Dr. Orr began his new post on April 1. His most recent roles were at the University of Arizona as associate professor of agriculture technology, executive director of the Natural Resources Users Law and Policy Center and associate director of agriculture and natural resources for the Arizona Cooperative Extension. Orr previously served in the Arizona state legislature, and has extensive experience working in non-profits, municipal government and the private sector.

Dr. Stokes is a professor of veterinary large animal clinical sciences and dean emeritus at the University of Tennessee. She will join UC Davis as its new dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on July 1. Dr. Stokes served as dean of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s UT Extension. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education and has held leadership roles at Colorado State University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Read the news releases:

>Dr. Orr

>Dr. Stokes

AC Director Nominations Due May 1

The Alumni Council (AC) is seeking nominations for directors for Regions 1, 8 and 11. This is an amazing leadership role through which you can be more engaged in alumni activities and support the foundation with your time and talent! If you or someone you know is interested, please click the button below for the nomination form and job description.

2025 CALF Awards: Nominations Due June 27

Would you like to nominate a classmate or an alum in your region or industry circles for one of our CALF awards? Please submit your completed nomination form by Friday, June 27. All award recipients will be honored during a ceremony on Oct. 3 (in conjunction with the Class 55 inauguration)

LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognizes Ag Leadership alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community. The focus is on alumni in Classes 1-15, but the award is open to alumni from all classes.

>List of past recipients

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognizes Ag Leadership alumni for their leadership actions resulting in the betterment of industry, community, business, government, education and/or the environment.

>List of past recipients

NOMINATION FORMS

Click the button to find links to both forms.

Class Liaisons Needed

We are still in need of liaisons to represent classes 1, 5, 15, 20 and 23. Join us in being a part of the grassroots effort to strengthen our alumni community! Contact Mia Mirassou for more information.

Cultivating the Future: Two Weeks Away!

Region 11 alumni are hosting their third annual fundraiser to support CALF and the development of future leaders from the desert region in California agriculture. New location and fun/casual event! Delicious dinner, salsa contest (bring your secret recipe to share) and live mariachi band!

MAY 1 / 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. / Holtville

GUEST SPEAKER

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio)

TICKETS

$125 / person

Prospective Applicant & Alumni BBQ in Region 7 (Talley BBQ)

May 9 / 6 - 8:30 p.m. / Arroyo Grande

Come enjoy gathering with alumni, Class 54 fellows, foundation staff and Cal Poly leadership at Talley Vineyards! The event is also to welcome those interested in the application process and who would like to learn more about the Ag Leadership Program. Enjoy a hearty Santa Maria-style BBQ, wine tasting and beer! No cost.