New Beginnings: Welcoming Class 55

By Lesa Eidman (49)

As we turn the page to a new chapter, the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation is thrilled to welcome Class 55 into the Ag Leadership family. Each new class represents fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and the continuation of a proud tradition of developing leaders who will shape the future of California agriculture and beyond.

The process of bringing together this exceptional group of individuals is a true team effort, and I extend my deepest gratitude to all who participated in the screening and selection process. Your time, insight, and commitment ensure that Ag Leadership remains the premier leadership program it is today. Through mentoring, sharing experiences, and championing Ag Leadership in your communities, you continue to inspire and pave the way for future classes.

Class 55 begins its journey at a pivotal time, stepping into a legacy built by more than 1,400 alumni who exemplify the values of growth, resilience, and service. With your continued engagement, we know they will be challenged, inspired, and prepared to create lasting impact.

Here’s to new beginnings, to Class 55, and to the collective spirit of leadership that makes Ag Leadership extraordinary. I look forward to celebrating Class 55 with all of you at this year’s Inauguration on October 3. 

With sincere appreciation,

Lesa

Please contact me at leidman@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Class 54 Message:

Somehow, August always brings with it a mindset of refocusing—I suppose it is ingrained in us from years of preparing to go back to school. As we near the tail end of summer, I have found myself reflecting on the growth I’ve experienced this year and identifying where I want to continue evolving through the rest of it.

During our summer break from seminars, our class has been meeting with our coaches, completing our Fellow Development Plans, and starting to implement the personal and professional goals we have outlined. The process of creating my plan required me to consider the insights I have gained from the various assessments we have taken in the program.



One standout theme from my 360 Evaluation was the feedback that people wanted to hear more from me. This, paired with my EQi results—which indicated that assertiveness is an area for growth—prompted me to set a specific goal related to how I show up at industry events and board meetings. With guidance from my coach, I have begun practicing small, intentional habits: introducing myself to at least one new person at events and committing to asking one meaningful question during board meetings.

Initially, I worried these micro-practices were too small, even that I might be “low balling” myself. But my coach reminded me that building confidence through attainable goals creates consistency and real behavioral change. And it’s working—at a recent board meeting, I found myself asking several questions and contributing to the conversation more than I ever have before. Afterward, multiple attendees approached me to share that they appreciated my input and were glad to hear my perspective. That kind of feedback was not only validating, but it also confirmed that growth is happening—and it is visible to others.

What’s been equally powerful is the support from my classmates. Over the summer, I have been able to check in with many of them, and we are all genuinely invested in helping each other succeed. Whether it’s sharing progress, offering encouragement, or holding one another accountable, the strength of our class has been invaluable.



I’m deeply grateful to be part of the California Ag Leadership Program. The lessons, the coaching, and especially the relationships are helping me step into the leader I want to become—one intentional conversation, thoughtful question, and courageous moment at a time.

Hillary DeCarl

Class 54 Fellow

Class 55 Announced!

CALF officially announced 24 new fellows on August 19 (read the news release) Join us for inauguration and dinner on October 3 in Fresno.

Profiles in Leadership and Lifetime Leadership Awards Recipients

Congratulations to this year's Profiles in Leadership Award recipients Dino Giacomazzi (36) and Mike Boeger (7)! The award recognizes Ag Leadership alumni for their leadership actions resulting in the betterment of industry, community, business, government, education, and/or the environment. 

Congratulations to this year’s Lifetime Leadership Award recipients Dr. Peggy Perry (9) and Dana Bart Fisher Jr. (5)! The Lifetime Leadership Award recognizes California Ag Leadership Program alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community. 

SAVE THE DATE

The recipients will be recognized during an evening ceremony on Friday, Oct. 3 in Fresno, CA in conjunction with the Class 55 inauguration.

California Exchange 2025

The 2025 California Exchange Program will take place in Region 1 on September 10-12. We have 6 fellows from across the state of California joining us for three days to tour various farming operations and water districts in the region. If you are interested in assisting with this years CA Exchange, please reach out to Anna Nicholson.

Anna Nicholson

Alumni Engagement & Events Manager

anicholson@agleaders.org

Regions 1, 3, 4, and 5 Reconnect Dinner and Socials

Thank you to all the alumni, friends, and family that were able to attend the reconnect dinner or social in their respective Region! These are wonderful opportunities to catch up with fellow alumni and reconnect to the CALF mission. Keep an eye out for email blasts and check out the events page on the website for Reconnect Dinners and Socials in your region!

Region 1 NorCal Clay Shoot 

The 10^th Anniversary Region 1 NorCal Clay Shoot was a fantastic day of sporting clays followed by a delicious BBQ lunch and a raffle. We had 75+ alumni, family and friends join us at the Quail Point Hunt Club on Saturday, August 2. The fundraiser benefiting CALF raised more than $15,000, a new record to commemorate 10 years of the event. Thank you to our committee, sponsors, donors, and attendees for their generous contributions to the event, raffle, and auction. Special thank you to Seve Garland, and Seth and Sandy Fiack for leading the planning of such an incredible event. Mark your calendars for next year’s date on August 29, 2026.

Region 4 Social with Class 54

AUG. 20 / 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hotel Mission de Oro

13070 S. Hwy. 33, Santa Nella

Join Class 54 fellows at a reception the evening before they depart for their water tour in the region. The social is open to all alumni, adult family members and prospective applicants. Appetizers are available and beverages are no-host.

RSVP by July 31.

Region 5 Social

AUG. 28 / Noon

Beer Mule

45 Aviation Way, Watsonville, CA

Please join us for a casual lunch at the Beer Mule, in Watsonville on Thursday, August 28 at noon. Come and reconnect with fellow Alumni in the area and hear a few words from our new President and CEO, Lesa Eidman. We hope to see you there!

RSVP

James Ewart 

James.Ewart@delicato.com

Region 9 Golf Tournament

SEPT. 8 / 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Las Posas Country Club

955 Fairway Drive, Camarillo

The committee would greatly appreciate sponsorships! Please click the button for sponsorship and golfer registration details.

Class 55 Inauguration & CALF Awards Ceremony

October 3 / 5:30p.m.

2233 Cesar Chavez Blvd.

Fresno,California