October 7, 2026 (Monterey, CA) — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is pleased to announce that Cherie (Cher) Watte, executive director of the Buy California Marketing Agreement (BCMA)/California Grown and a Class 25 alumna of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, has joined its board of directors.
Watte brings decades of experience in agricultural marketing, public policy, international trade, water policy and industry advocacy. Since 2020, she has served as executive director of BCMA/California Grown, an advisory board to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The organization combines industry and government resources to increase awareness, consumption and value of California agricultural products. Since 2015, Watte has also served as executive director of Imperial Valley Water (IVH2O), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting the Imperial Valley’s water rights.
“The Foundation Board of Directors is excited to welcome Cher Watte to our diverse group of members. Cher brings lifelong experience in production systems, marketing, business operations and community service, along with a deep commitment to California agriculture. As a program alumna, she will bring valuable skills and perspective to the board,” said Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, board chair.
“I am incredibly honored to join the board. Having participated in various aspects of the organization for nearly 40 years, I know firsthand how deeply Ag Leadership influences personal and professional development. I look forward to working with the board to expand our impact on individuals and the industry,” said Watte.
Watte joins 14 CALF board members: Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37), Land IQ, chair; Fidela Irigoyen (21), vice chair; Rob Goff (45), Wonderful Orchards, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas (40), Reiter Affiliated Companies; Nikki Cossio, Measure to Improve LLC; Michael Frantz (36), Frantz Wholesale Nursery; Erin O’Donnell (50), Sustainable Ag Advisors; Sal Parra Jr. (46), Bowles Farming; Paul Parreira (44), Parreira Almond Processing Co.; Davidson Pattiz, The Zenith; Dr. Ashley Stokes, UC Davis; Gladys Wotring, J.G. Boswell; and Mike Young (35), Wegis & Young.
The number in parentheses after a name indicates the member’s Ag Leadership Program class.
About the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to growing leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,500 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State.
For more information about the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and the California Agricultural Leadership Program, visit agleaders.org.
