The California Wheat Commission (CWC) has hired Deanna Fernandez as its executive director, effective March 22, 2016.

Fernandez comes to the CWC from the Raisin Administrative Committee in Fresno, Calif. where she served as its international program director.

According to the CWC, Fernandez has good leadership skills with strategic and analytical thinking plus innovative skills to help plan, develop, and implement successful programs for wheat export markets.

She also has experience with analyzing trade statistics and market research and development efforts. Fernandez has also developed and maintained relationship with U.S. growers, packers, and government agencies, plus international representatives working for the industry.

CWC Chairman Roy Motter says, “We are very pleased to announce Deanna Fernandez as the new Executive Director and welcome her to the California wheat industry."

According to Fernandez, “I am excited to begin work at the California Wheat Commission and am looking forward to establishing California wheat as the premium wheat on the market, both domestically and on a global scale.”

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The California Wheat Commission, established under the California Food and Agriculture Code in 1983, is funded by the wheat growers and receives direction by a board which includes thirteen wheat producers and two handlers – each with alternates – two at-large members, and one public member. 

The CWC’s purpose is to develop and maintain international and domestic markets for California-grown wheat, and support research to improve California wheat quality and its marketability.

CWC’s headquarters is in Woodland, Calif.