Mike Montna, former agricultural manager for Seneca Food Corp., is the new president and CEO of the California Tomato Growers Association.

He replaces Ross Siragusa.

Montna started at Tri Valley Growers in 1998. With Seneca, he negotiated supply contracts with associations for growers of peaches, apricots and pears. A native of Yuba City, Calif., he will assume his new position on Aug. 1.

"We're pleased to have someone with Mike’s breadth of experience to head our organization," said Bert Ferguson, CTGA chairman. "His expertise and knowledge of issues faced by both growers and processors brings a great deal to the table."

In addition to his background in the food processing area, Montna served as field representative for a California state assemblyman working with local, state and federal agencies on constituent issues related to agriculture, water, transportation and forestry.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico with a major in political science.