SEPTEMBER 2025

/ PRESIDENT AND CEO MESSAGE

A Time to Celebrate

By Lesa Eidman (Class 49)

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the joy of meeting with the four Ag Leadership alumni we will honor at the 2025 CALF Inauguration and Awards Banquet on October 3: Dr. Peggy Perry, Bart Fisher, Mike Boeger, and Dino Giacomazzi. Each carries a story that is both inspiring and rooted in service to agriculture and community. Hearing their journeys firsthand reminded me how powerful and meaningful the stories of our alumni truly are. I cannot wait for us to come together and celebrate their impact.

What I value most about Ag Leadership is being surrounded by examples of leadership in action. Our alumni show us again and again how vision, integrity, and hard work create lasting change. Recognizing these four honorees is our chance to reflect on the legacy of leadership that has been built over decades and to be inspired for what comes next.

That is why I am especially excited that the banquet will not only honor these outstanding alumni but also mark the start of the journey for Class 55. It is the perfect reminder that while we honor the past, we are also looking ahead, investing in the future of agricultural leadership.

I look forward to celebrating both milestones with you on October 3 as we continue building this remarkable legacy together.

With sincere appreciation,

Lesa

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

/ PROGRAM NEWS

Class 54 Message:

In August, Class 54 had the privilege of joining an extensive water tour that included the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors, Los Banos Detention Dam, Mendota Dam, Sack Dam, the Jones Pumping Facility & Tracy Fish Facility, the CVP aqueduct, the Mendota Pool, and the Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir Project. We also heard directly from representatives of both the Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation in a candid discussion moderated by Cannon Michael (39). This experience was part of the California Ag Leadership Program, and the level of commitment—from educating and informing to shaping meaningful change—was truly palpable.

We were joined by Congressman Adam Gray, and his Chief of Staff Ben Rodriguez, and Legislative Director Sophia Garcia. It was a testament to their commitment to understanding the importance of water, and how to shape positive outcomes. We met with Joe Del Bosque, Darcy Vlot (51) and her husband Case, along with Chase Hurley (35) and John Wiersma (52), and Jarrett Martin (48). This was a testament to the program, and the valuable skills put into action well beyond a class commencement. Lesa Eidman (49) was also a part of the tour, further showcasing her commitment to the current Class but also stewarding CALP into the next chapter.

The Water Tour provided a powerful lesson in the history and development of the Central Valley, while also a sobering reminder of the age and fragility of our existing water infrastructure. We were especially encouraged by the expertise, passion, and youthful energy of those working to find innovative solutions for the future—solutions we urgently need.

The trip included many Ag Leadership alumni, and this would not have been possible without the generous commitment of Chris White (43) and his wife Joann. This seminar further showcased the valuable tools the Foundation provides for growing leaders who make an impact.

With gratitude,

Timothy “Boomer” Murray

Class 54

H/ FOUNDATION NEWS

New AC Directors

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our four new Alumni Council Directors!

Region 1 will welcome Megan Byrne (44). Megan Byrne is a communications and program management professional with more than 15 years of experience advancing agriculture, restoration, and stakeholder collaboration in California. She was raised on her family’s walnut ranch in Northern California, where early experiences with flood risk and land preservation shaped her commitment to rural communities and natural resource stewardship. Megan began her career with Rabobank, supporting agricultural lending, before serving as Executive Director of the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau. She later worked as Senior Account Executive at Fleishman Hillard. Currently, Megan is a Program Manager at KSN, Inc., where she guides outreach and grant-funded watershed and habitat restoration projects. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from California State University, Chico and earned a certificate in Leading Complex Projects from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.

Region 4 will welcome Betty Hurley-Lindeman (49). Betty was born and raised on a small family farm alongside her four brothers in Los Banos. After graduating from Fresno State University with a degree in Agricultural Business, she worked in various capacities of water and drainage resource management for Panoche Water District, Panoche Drainage District, James J Stevinson Corporation and Stevinson Water District. After gaining valuable on-farm and public water sector experience, Betty joined Water and Land Solutions LLC as a Senior Water Specialist in 2021. In her current duties she assists in forming and managing Mutual Water Companies and Water Districts. Betty works one on one with clients on on-farm water budgeting and gives direction and advice on recharge facilities, helping secure project financing and current rules and regulations within California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. She is also a graduate of the Water Education Foundation Water Leaders Program and has been an active volunteer with her local 4-H, FFA and High School Sports Boosters programs. Her passion related to health and nutrition has led her to share her love for CrossFit as she has now become a certified CrossFit L-1 Trainer.

Region 8 will welcome Bill Van Skike (32). Bill has over 40 years in Agricultural related business. One of the companies he represents is Wegis & Young where he conducts agricultural feasibility studies that analyze the concept and evaluate the physical and financial development of viable operating farms. Bill is also a Director within the Plexus Group of companies out of the UK working on cotton projects in Mozambique, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. He also uses his extensive network representing A-C Electric Company in their California Renewables Division building solar, battery storage and EV infrastructure primarily for farms, cold storage operations and food processing facilities. Bill also works with DC Energy assisting farmers with their applications for USDA and other grant opportunities helping to reduce project costs in renewable energy projects for agriculture. He has held a number of board positions at state, national, and international levels within various industries. Bill earned a BS in Finance and an MBA from California State University, Fresno and he is a founding member of San Joaquin Valley Chapter of YPO. Bill resides in Bakersfield, California with his wife and daughter.

Region 11 will welcome Manuel Gaitan (53). Manuel “Manny” Gaitan is the General Manager of the Riverside County Citrus Pest Control District No. 2, where he leads efforts in area-wide pest management, regulatory compliance, and grower engagement across the Coachella Valley. A proud member of CALF Class 53, Manny is passionate about community leadership, agricultural sustainability, and empowering the next generation of industry leaders. He also owns and operates multiple ventures in photography, RV rentals, and equipment brokerage , while remaining active in local boards, church ministry, and Boys & Girls alumni Association.

Thank you to our incredible Regional Directors that have served their regions well during their tenure! Kelly Mora (48) in Region 1, Lucas Espericueta (45) in Region 8, and Ellen Way (28) in Region 11. And thank you to Yvonne Sams (45) who moved from Regional Director of Region 4 to Vice Chair of the Alumni Council.

California Exchange 2025

The 2025 California Exchange Program took place in Region 1 from September 10-12. Our cohort of 6 fellows had the opportunity to visit rice farms, water projects, walnut orchards, almond operations, and took part in a leadership module at our new university partner, Chico State. Our fellows also had the opportunity to stay in homestays hosted by some of our wonderful alumni in Region 1. Thank you to all who helped make this program such a success!

/ ALUMNI EVENTS

Region 4 and 5 Socials

Thank you to all the alumni, friends, and family that were able to attend the socials in their respective regions. Region 4 had a wonderful evening at Mission De Oro with Class 54 before their water tour, and Region 5 had the opportunity to connect for lunch and hear from our President and CEO Lesa Eidman. 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 9 Golf Tournament

The 34^th annual Region 9 Golf Tournament was a smashing success! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the tournament and the delightful food spread at Las Posas Country Club. Together, we raised over $45,000 in support of CALF, an incredible achievement made possible by our generous sponsors, donors, and attendees. Your enthusiasm and support, especially through raffle ticket purchases, made a real impact. A special shoutout to the golf committee, in particular Helen McGrath and Mike Nunez, for their outstanding planning and hosting of such a memorable event.

/ UPCOMING EVENTS