Dr. Joel Kimmelshue succeeds Mike Young; Fidela Irigoyen and Rob Goff join Kimmelshue on executive board
October 19, 2026 (Monterey, CA) — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) announces Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (Class 37) as its new board chair, succeeding Mike Young (Class 35) following the completion of Young’s term. Joining Kimmelshue on the foundation’s executive board are Fidela Irigoyen (Class 21) as vice chair and Rob Goff (Class 45) as secretary-treasurer.
The transition comes as CALF begins implementing its 2026–2031 strategic plan, which outlines priorities for developing leaders, engaging alumni, expanding awareness of the foundation’s impact and strengthening its financial future.
Young’s tenure as chair capped more than 20 years of service on the foundation’s board, preceded by involvement with its Alumni Council. A steadfast advocate for Ag Leadership, he helped strengthen the foundation, advance its mission and shape a vision for its future. His dedication, generosity, and belief in the power of leadership development have left a lasting mark on the organization and the generations of agricultural leaders it serves.
Kimmelshue is owner and principal agricultural scientist at Land IQ. As a member of the team that helped shape the foundation’s new strategic plan, he steps into the chair role with a clear understanding of its priorities and the partnerships needed to achieve them.
“When asked to consider being the board chair for the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, not only was I humbled and honored, but I also had great excitement for the opportunities the Foundation, the Program, and our alumni base have moving forward; specifically, those opportunities outlined in our new 5-year strategic plan,” Kimmelshue said. “To help facilitate and lead the quest for those plan milestones and goals is a challenge taken seriously. I greatly look forward to working with Foundation staff, fellow Board members, alumni, current and future class members, and the growing number of supporters in not just meeting, but hopefully exceeding those expectations.”
Together, Kimmelshue, Irigoyen and Goff will work with the board to advance the foundation’s mission of growing leaders who make a difference.
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.
