Twenty-four individuals have been selected for Class 42 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). CALP is an advanced leadership development experience for emerging agricultural leaders. The fellows will begin the 20-month program when they are inaugurated on Nov. 3 in Fresno.

Class 42 fellows are Joe Ange, Salinas; Rachelle Antinetti, Linden; Carol Arnold, Auburn; Ara Azhderian, Los Banos; Paul Basila, Fresno; Cameron Boswell, Corcoran; Anne Coates, Santa Maria; Jason Cole, Santa Paula; Nathan Dorn, Salinas; Brenda Farias, Santa Maria; Ashley Gill, Sacramento; Robert Grether, Somis; Jared Gross, Colusa; Cade Johnson, Blythe; Denise Junqueiro, Fresno; Karl Lehman, Fresno; Justin Micheli, Live Oak; Chris Nichols, Arcadia; Elisa Noble, Sacramento; Ryan Person, Clovis; Sonny Pulido, Santa Maria; Michael Rivera, Fresno; Michael Testa, Pope Valley; and Ulash Turkhan, Ripon.

“We are pleased to welcome another remarkable group of fellows who will make a positive difference in California agriculture,” said CALF President and CEO Bob Gray. “With the valuable leadership skills they develop during the program, these 24 men and women will become stronger and more effective leaders in their businesses, agricultural organizations, communities and government. We look forward to seeing them grow personally and professionally during this significant leadership journey.”

Operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), the Ag Leadership Program is considered to be one of the premier leadership development opportunities in the United States.At dynamic monthly seminars, fellows will focus on team building, communication skills, self reflection, self discipline, strategic thinking, leadership theory, social and cultural awareness, ethics, political systems and legislative processes, and current national and international issues.

Seminars are delivered by four exceptional partner universities – Cal Poly, Pomona; Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; CSU Fresno; and UC Davis. Additional segments are provided by Santa Clara University and National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. Fellows participate in a 10-day national travel seminar during the first year and a 15-day international travel seminar during the second year.

CALF invests about $45,000 per fellow to participate in the program, which is underwritten by individual and industry donations.

Since it was first delivered in 1970, more than 1,100 men and women have participated in the Ag Leadership Program and have become influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, government, communities, business and education.

Contact: Meredith Ritchie, (916) 984-4473, [email protected]

Class 42 Fellows