Our Generational Impact

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson



CALF staff has had the privilege of attending several alumni gatherings and sponsored events in recent weeks. It’s always a pleasure for us to catch up with those who have benefited from our core program and then stay connected in so many ways. What’s especially fun and interesting these days is the great fellow class diversity present at these activities. Because Ag Leadership is now into its sixth decade of growing leaders, it’s not uncommon to find all six decades represented at our events. Since generations are considered to be 20-30 years, one can rightly say CALF’s impact is truly multi-generational. Personally, I find that incredibly exciting and inspiring and just one more reason to attend events like those you’ll find listed below whenever you’re able to.

As always, contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Profiles in Leadership Awardees

Congratulations to Randy Fiorini (21) and Michael Frantz (36), who have been selected to receive this year's Profiles in Leadership Award. The award recognizes Ag Leadership alumni for their leadership actions resulting in the betterment of industry, community, business, government, education and/or the environment.

The awardees will be recognized during a ceremony on Oct. 5 at Fresno State (in conjunction with the Class 53 inauguration). In the weeks ahead, we will share more details, a news release and feature the awardees in the fall issue of Horizons.

Lifetime Leadership Award: Call for Nominations

The Lifetime Leadership Award recognizes Ag Leadership alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community. The first recipient of the award was Richard "Dick" Clauss (1) in 2022.

Our next group of honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Conference in June 2024. Numerous alumni may be recognized in a hall of fame-style presentation. The focus is on alumni from Classes 1-15, but the award is open to alumni from all classes.

Nominations will be accepted until April 2024. If you know of an alumni who may be worthy of recognition, please click the link below for the nomination form.

Class 53 Selection Update

Class 53 selection interviews were conducted throughout the state in July. Thank you to everyone who helped during the recruiting and interviewing stages of our selection process!

With in-person interviews complete, we have now moved into the final stage of selecting fellows for Class 53. We are excited to share an announcement in September.

Leaders are Readers Book Club

"Trust & Inspire" by Stephen M. R. Covey

"Trust and Inspire" is a new way of leading that starts with the belief that people are creative, collaborative and full of potential. Individuals with this kind of leader are inspired to become the best version of themselves and to produce their best work. The book calls for a radical shift in the way we lead in the 21st century.

Book club registrations are accepted at any time. Group sessions to discuss the fall book club selection will be held in October and November.

MORE INFORMATION

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

First Fridays / September

Rethinking Leadership Development

Former CALF Co-Interim Directors of Education Dr. Robert Flores (HF) and Dr. Peggy Sears Perry (9), Cal Poly Pomona core faculty member, will share opportunities for leadership development while discussing how Ag Leadership alumni can rethink their lifelong leadership learning journey.

Have You Updated Your Online Alumni Directory Listing?

FIRST-TIME VISITORS to the alumni directory (launched on May 24): Please use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

RETURNING: Use your username to log in (do not use your email address).

If you need additional support, please contact Deanna van Klaveren (32) / 209-765-2476.

2023 International Leadership Alumni Conference

Learn about opportunities and issues facing western ag producers. Attendees will tour area farms and ranches and celebrate the cowboy culture.

DATE / LOCATION

Sept. 18 - 20

Cody, Wyo.

QUESTIONS?

Deanna van Klaveren (32) / 209-765-2476

2024 Alumni Conference: Mark Your Calendar!

We are excited to gather Ag Leadership alumni and ILAC for lifelong leadership learning, socializing and networking! The committee will be planning an outstanding lineup of speakers, sessions and events. An ILAC ag tour is scheduled for June 26 and all are welcome to join. More details will be provided in the months ahead.

Learn more about ILAC here.

More Upcoming Events

Region 8 Social at the County Fair

Sept. 25 / Bakersfield

Class 53 Inauguration and Profiles in Leadership Awards

Oct. 5 / Fresno

I Grew with Ag Leadership

This month we feature Joe Pezzini (28) in our campaign! Click the button to read the testimonials from Joe and several other alumni. The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – like, share and follow!