Ermias Kebreab, Ph.D., Professor and Sesnon Endowed Chair, Sustainable Animal Agriculture Department of Animal Science UC Davis

Dr. Ermias Kebreab is a professor of Animal Science and holds the Sesnon Endowed Chair in Sustainable Animal Agriculture at the Department of Animal Science, UC Davis. Dr. Kebreab was appointed associate vice provost at UC Davis Global Affairs in 2016 to advance the university’s engagement in international education. Dr. Kebreab also serves as the deputy director of Agricultural Sustainability Institute. Dr. Kebreab conducts research on reducing the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, including the sustainable use of feed additives. Dr. Kebreab received several awards including International Agriculture Award and AFIA Ruminant Nutrition Award from American Society of Animal Science.

Kate Gordon, Director, Senior Policy Advisor on Climate, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research

Kate Gordon is a nationally recognized expert on the intersection of climate change, energy, and economic development. Gordon was appointed Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and Senior Advisor to the Governor on Climate by Governor Gavin Newsom on January 7, 2019. Gordon has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including the Fourth National Climate Assessment’s chapter on “Reducing Risks Through Adaptation Actions”. Prior to being appointed OPR Director, Gordon was a Senior Advisor at the Henry M. Paulson Institute, where she oversaw the “Risky Business Project,” focused on quantifying the economic impacts of climate change to the U.S. economy, and also provided strategic support to the Institute’s U.S.- China CEO Council for Sustainable Urbanization.

Phil Lempert, Founder and Editor, Founder and CEO, The Lempert Report, Retail Dietitians Business Alliance

For more than 25 years, Phil Lempert, an expert analyst on consumer behavior, marketing trends, new products and the changing retail landscape, has identified and explained impending trends to consumers and some of the most prestigious companies worldwide. Known as The Supermarket Guru®, Lempert has served as food trends editor and correspondent for NBC News’ Today show, reporting on consumer trends, food safety and moneysaving tips, as well as showcasing new products, with regular appearances on ABC’s The View, FOX Business, Dr. Oz, The Oprah Winfrey Show, 20/20, CNN, CNBC, and FOX. Well-known as an author and speaker, Lempert was one of the pioneers of the new information media, founding SupermarketGuru.com, one of the leading online food and health resources, in 1994. He is the founder and editor of The Lempert Report, the founder and CEO of the Retail Dietitians Business Alliance and develops and manages programs for organizations including the National Restaurant Association, Specialty Foods Association and Food Marketing Institute.

Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Karen Ross was appointed secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on January 12, 2011, by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. Secretary Ross has deep leadership experience in agricultural issues nationally, internationally, and here in California. During Secretary Ross’ tenure, the Department has focused on core functions to protect and promote California agriculture in a time of significant budget reductions, and it has emphasized change-management to position the agency to more effectively and efficiently serve its stakeholders in meeting the challenges of the 21st Century. Secretary Ross has strengthened partnerships across government, academia and the non-profit sector in the drive to maintain and improve environmental stewardship and to develop adaptation strategies for the specific impacts of climate change. Ross has initiated programs to provide greater opportunities for farmers and ranchers to engage in sustainable environmental stewardship practices.

Brad Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, California Dairies, Inc.

Brad Anderson is the President and CEO of California Dairies, Inc. (CDI). Stepping into the CEO position on January 1, 2020, Brad brings more than 26 years of leadership experience to the role. Prior to joining CDI, he was the Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at Dean Foods, the largest fluid milk processor in the U.S. During his tenure at Dean Foods, Anderson was active in the dairy industry and served on the MilkPEP Board for six years in total and Chairman of the Board for the last two years. Anderson currently serves as a Board Chairman of Challenge Dairy Products, Inc., Board Member of the American Dairy Products Institute, DairyAmerica, US Dairy Export Council and the International Dairy Foods Association Ingredient Board.

Taryn Ravazzini, Deputy Director, Statewide Groundwater Management California Department of Water Resources

Taryn Ravazzini was appointed Deputy Director of Statewide Groundwater Management in May 2019. Ravazzini leads the Department’s implementation of the landmark 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and established DWR’s Executive Sustainable Groundwater Management Office in January 2018. Ravazzini also served as an executive advisor to the California Water Commission, having previously held the position of acting executive officer for the Commission in 2016-2017. Ravazzini has held multiple positions at the Association of California Water Agencies in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and staffed U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California).

David Darr, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Dairy Farmers of America

David has been with DFA since 2001 and currently serves as chief strategy and sustainability officer. In this role, Darr leads efforts to connect DFA’s strategy with members, employees and other stakeholders. In addition, Darr leads Cooperative efforts on sustainability, including environmental footprinting, animal care and corporate social responsibility. Darr’s previous areas of responsibility have included overseeing DFA’s Farm Services Division, creating and managing DFA’s Gold Standard Dairy Program and leading an economic analysis team.

Ashley Rosales, Program Director of Nutrition Sciences, Dairy Council of California

Ashley Rosales, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, is the Program Director of Nutrition Sciences for Dairy Council of California where she oversees programs and strategies that improve the health of children and families through developing lifelong healthy eating habits. Driven by Dr. Bruce Daggy’s quote, “Let’s build wellness rather than treating disease,” Rosales specializes in applying consensus research to amplify the important role of milk and dairy foods in healthy, sustainable eating patterns and addressing nutritional needs across the lifespan to support optimal health. Rosales serves as a steering committee member for the California Local School Wellness Policy Collaborative and carries volunteer leadership roles in the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the California Conference of Local Health Department Nutritionists. Rosales is also a media spokesperson for both traditional and social media channels.

Gregory Miller, Global Chief Science Officer, National Dairy Council

Gregory D. Miller, Ph.D., M.A.C.N., Global CSO for National Dairy Council, and Adjunct Associate Professor in the department of food science and human nutrition at the University of Illinois. Dr. Miller is also Nutritional Security Sector Lead for the Global Dairy Platform and is recognized as a leading voice in the global food system. Dr. Miller is currently leading the effort to enhance dairy’s contributions toward a more sustainable food system by examining the intersection between nutrition, health, food insecurity, and environmental impact. Dr. Miller is a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry and served on the editorial board of many other journals.

Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., Professor and Air Quality Specialist, Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis

Frank Mitloehner is a professor and air quality specialist for Cooperative Extension in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Mitloehner has served as chairman of a global United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) partnership project to benchmark the environmental footprint of livestock production. Dr. Mitloehner serves as the North American scientific lead for the Global Feed LCA Institute. Dr. Mitloehner is workgroup member on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and member on the National Academies of Science Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee on “A Framework for Assessing the Health, Environmental, and Social Effects of the Food System”.

Jason Gianquinto, General Manager, Semitropic Water Storage District

Jason Gianquinto joined the Semitropic Water Storage District as the Deputy General Manager in 2010 and was named General Manager in 2013. Semitropic, established in 1958, is one of eight water storage districts in California and covers an area of more than 220,000 acres in Kern County. The District delivers surface water to approximately 140,000 acres for agricultural uses and provides groundwater storage services to Banking Partners in both Northern and Southern California. Mr. Gianquinto is actively involved in Kern County Water Issues through his participation as Vice Chairman of the Kern River Watershed Coalition Authority, Board member of the Kern Water Bank Authority, Trustee of the Southern California Water Committee, member of the Kern County Farm Bureau (Director 2010 to 2019) and has served as President of the Water Association of Kern County. Mr. Gianquinto is a licensed civil engineer in the States of California and Arizona with focused professional engineering experience in the water and wastewater industry. Jason has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Master of Business Administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Ronald H. Melchin, ESQ., Owner, Law Offices of Ron Melchin

Ronald H. Melchin has lived in the Sacramento area over 36 years. Over the past 32 years his practice has emphasized the areas of trusts and estate planning, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, general business law, succession planning, non-profit organizations, real estate, securities and taxation. Melchin represents approximately 300 businesses with clients ranging from start-up companies, professional firms, dairy, insurance brokerage, development and manufacturing. Mr. Melchin received Martindale & Hubbel’s highest rating of “AV.”

Donna Berry, Owner, Dairy & Food Communications

Donna Berry is the owner of Dairy & Food Communications, a company that specializes in business-to-business writing, speaking and consulting projects in the dairy, beverage and food industries. Berry has been writing for the dairy trade since 1993; she opened her own business in 2000. Berry has been tracking consumer behaviors and food trends, with an emphasis on dairy, for more than 25 years. She currently writes for numerous trade publications, including Food Business News, Meat & Poultry, Baking & Snack, Culinology and Pet Food Processing. Until February 2012, Berry had been the ingredient technology editor and new products trend tracker for Dairy Foods magazine and then decided it was time to share her knowledge via other publications and media channels and started her own website, aptly named BerryOnDairy.com, which includes an email newsletter called Daily Dose of Dairy that focuses on innovations in dairy products and related beverages.

J. Scott Petersen, P.E., Water Policy Director, San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority

J. Scott Petersen is the Water Policy Director for the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, a joint-powers authority of 28 member agencies that serves two important roles: 1) to provide representation on common interests of the Water Authority’s 28 member agencies; and 2) to operate and maintain the Delta Division and south of Delta Central Valley Project (“CVP”) facilities, including the Jones Pumping Plan, the Delta-Mendota Canal (“DMC”) and the O’Neill Pumping Plant, that the Authority’s member agencies depend on for delivery of CVP water. The Authority’s member agencies contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (“Reclamation”) for a portion of their water supply and provide water to approximately 1.2 million acres of irrigated agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley, over 2,000,000 people in the Silicon Valley, and approximately 200,000 acres of managed wetlands of critical importance to the Pacific Flyway. Mr. Petersen is an experienced legislative, policy and political professional with demonstrated success in guiding legislative and regulatory policy through the process from initial draft to final passage. Prior to joining the Water Authority, Scott served Representative Jim Costa (CA-16) as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director from 2013-2019 and Representative Dennis Cardoza (CA-16) as Legislative Director from 2011-2013.

Mark Van Nieuwland, VP and Program Director, DSM Nutritional Products

Mark, together with his team, aims to further enhance sustainability of ruminant production systems through innovations, such as methane inhibitors. He is a true global citizen that works closely with the dairy and beef sectors around the world to support the successful introduction and commercialization of those innovations. He is the global program director for 3-NOP, the methane inhibitor which has been extensively tested, and consistently delivered an enteric methane reduction of ~30%. This innovation was featured in 2019 by the World Resources Institute as one of the ten global break-through technologies that can help feed the world sustainably.

Sandra Vijn, Director Dairy, World Wildlife Fund

Sandra Vijn leads the dairy program at WWF US. She works with farmers, businesses, researchers and associations in North America and globally to identify and promote solutions for sustainable livestock production and sourcing.  Prior to WWF, Vijn worked at the Innovation Center for US Dairy in Chicago, at the Centre for Responsible Business of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the United Arab Emirates, and the Global Reporting Initiative in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Vijn grew up on a horticulture farm in the Netherlands and holds degrees in Food & Business and International Relations.

Trine Barrett, Director, MSc Agriultural Science, Livestock Innovation, SEGES

Trine Barrett has been working at SEGES for the past 18 years, primarily working to ensure a sustainable future for Danish cattle farming. SEGES is an organization that builds bridges between research and practical farming. This is primarily done by processing and disseminating the latest knowledge and research findings. SEGES has worked in cooperation with both Danish Universities and breeding companies, striving to create a sustainable future for the dairy industry.

Richard Meyerhoff, Senior Water Quality Specialist, GEI Consultants

Dr. Richard Meyerhoff is a Senior Water Quality Specialist with GEI Consultants, Inc. with more than 30 years of experience in water resource management. Meyerhoff spent the first part of his career working as a water quality regulator for the State of Arizona developing and implementing that state’s water quality standards. Since 1997, he has worked in private industry assisting clients with the implementation of federal, state and tribal water quality regulatory programs, including compliance with stormwater permit requirements, development of use attainability analyses, development/implementation of total maximum daily loads and groundwater management planning. Since 2012 Meyerhoff has worked with the stakeholder-led Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) initiative in the development of the Salt and Nitrate Control Program for the Central Valley Region of California.

Preston Vincent, Dairy XL Development Manager, Lely

Preston Vincent leads the Dairy XL brand at Lely North America. This brand is recognized as a leader in large herd robotics and represents dairy farms with over 8 single box robots or more than 500 milk cows on one site. Vincent has been with Lely for 4.5 years and has been a part of the steep growth curve of adoption on large North American dairies to where Lely North America now has more than 70 dairies milking with eight or more robots on one site. Prior to working at Lely North America, Vincent spent more than ten years working with large herds in the genetics and reproductive segment of the industry.

Damon Silva, VP of Business Development, Calcom Energy

Damon Silva is VP of Business Development for CalCom Energy, and is responsible for planning and implementing both short- and long-range sales programs, targeted toward existing and new markets. Silva supervises the company’s BDMs, channel partnerships, and inside sales functions. Silva has over 15 years’ experience working with private and public companies developing and implementing finance strategies in the renewable energy field with a focus on agriculture projects in the Central Valley and Central Coast areas ranging from small commercial to utility scale projects. Silva began his career in business administration, and then transitioned to renewables as CEC programs began.

Lenny Mendonca, Director, Chief Economic Advisor to Governor Newsom, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

Lenny Mendonca is the Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Mendonca is a Senior Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company and a Lecturer on Inequality at the Stanford Business School. Mendonca founded McKinsey’s U.S. state and local public sector consulting practice and oversaw their knowledge development, Chairing the McKinsey Global Institute and the Firm’s communications, including the McKinsey Quarterly. Mendonca served for a decade on the McKinsey Shareholder Council (its Board of Directors).

Stephen Weststeyn, Dairy Farmer, Weststeyn Dairy

Stephen Weststeyn is a 3rd generation California dairy farmer in Willows, CA where he operates his family’s dairy farm. Weststeyn has a unique perspective around a variety of dairy topics, sharing interesting things about cows, and uncovering the health benefits of dairy. You can follow his work at his website www.dairymoos.com and social media platforms – facebook, twitter, youtube, tumblr, Instagram, and tik tok.

Don Schindler, Senior Vice President of Digital Innovations, Dairy Management Inc.

Don Schindler is the Senior Vice President of Digital Innovations at DMI. Schindler has been teaching farmers, staff and the dairy industry how to connect with consumers using social media and digital marketing for 7 years. Before coming to DMI, Don directed the Communications team at the University of Notre Dame and taught classes at the Mendoza College of Business at ND. Schindler also served his country in the US Naval Submarine Service.

Tyler Ribeiro, Dairy Farmer, Rib-Arrow Dairy

Tyler Ribeiro is a fourth generation Dairy Farmer and growing up learned the intricacies of dairy and what it meant to be a committed leader. After graduating from Fresno State with a B.S in Agricultural Economics, Tyler Ribeiro began to work full time on the family farm, focusing on business efficiencies, animal health, and team building. Throughout the years, Tyler has held multiple leadership positions including seats on the Western United Dairymen’s board of Directors and The Dairy Council of California as well as on the inaugural Executive Committee of the California Cattleman’s Council. Aside from elected positions, Ribeiro continues to advocate for the dairy industry and agriculture through various channels including farm tours and classroom presentations, and the creation of Dairy Dad on social media outlets that advocate for the dairy industry.

Erin Nutcher, Farmer, Hidden Valley Dairy

Erin Nutcher is a 4th generation dairy farmer from Gustine, California. Nutcher and her husband, Trevor, are in a partnership with Trevor’s family managing 2100 cows. Nutcher currently is a serving on the board for the Dairy Council of California and on the California Milk Advisory Board Social Media Team. Nutcher’s passion is sharing their dairy life and industry facts on her social media channels and recently began hosting virtual educational dairy tours to students throughout California.

Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications , California Milk Advisory Board

As Director of Communications for the California Milk Advisory Board, Jennifer Giambroni manages an integrated public relations program supporting all CMAB initiatives. Giambroni joined the CMAB in 2009 from the PR agency side of the business where she conducted consumer marketing communications programs for national and international food and beverage companies. Giambroni currently serves on the California Artisan Cheese Guild board and is a past-president of the San Francisco Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and served in several board positions with the International Association of Business Communicators’ (SF/IABC) San Francisco Chapter.

Eduardo Garcia, Assemblymember, California State Assembly, District 56

Eduardo Garcia represents California’s 56th Assembly District, which includes cities and unincorporated communities in eastern Riverside County and Imperial County. Garcia currently presides as Chair of the Assembly Committee for Water, Parks, and Wildlife; overseeing some of the state’s most pressing issues, such as drought and safe drinking water conditions. Garcia serves on the Assembly Committees on Appropriations, Communications and Conveyance, Governmental Organization and Utilities and Energy. Garcia also sits on the California Air Resources Board.

Josh Zonneveld, Managing Partner, Zonneveld Dairies Inc.

Josh Zonneveld is a third-generation dairy farmer from Laton, California. Zonneveld manages the 8,500 cow operation along with his dad, two uncles, two brothers and three cousins. They also farm almonds, pistachios, walnuts and a portion of their feed. Zonnefeld graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science with a minor in Ag Business. He currently serves as chairman on the California Milk Advisory Board. For the past several years he has also served on the Ag Executive Council for Land O’Lakes.

Richard Wagner, Partner, Wagner Dairy

Richard Wagner is a second generation dairy farmer from Escalon. He is a partner at Wagner Dairy along with his son, Dustin and his son-in- law, Jarred Mello. Wagner is also a partner in their farming partnership that grows feed crops for the dairy along with a variety of tree crops. Over the years, Wagner has served on numerous dairy and non-dairy related boards and is currently the chairman of the CDRF Board. Wagner’s family is actively engaged in passing on farming and dairy operations to the next generation.

Sean Haynes, Co-Founder, AgriCFO

Sean Haynes leveraged his extensive production ag experience and formal Agricultural Economics education (completing a B.S. in Agribusiness at Fresno State) into a successful 15- year Food and Agribusiness banking career including financial analysis, commodity risk, portfolio management, and building a well performing $560 million debt portfolio as Senior Vice President in Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Division. Haynes’ long-standing client relationships span the entire food chain from production of numerous ag commodities to food processing & distribution managing transactions ranging from $10 million to $350 million. Always a client advocate and enjoying the financial advisory and risk management portion of his career the most, Haynes took the opportunity to focus 100% of his work solely for his clients as their “in the pocket risk & finance expert”, co- founding AgriCFO in 2015. Sean also owns and operates 3N Farms, a livestock and hay operation located in Oakdale, California.

Mathew Francis, President, Pacific Rim Advisory Group, LLC.

Mathew Francis is the President of Pacific Rim Advisory Group, LLC. Francis has 24 years of experience with Save Mart Supermarkets and has led strategic, tactical, and operational planning in all facets of the enterprise, growing business from $1.5 billion to $5.2 billion. Francis demonstrated exceptional leadership, communication, and collaborative skills at all levels of the organization from store level to division supervisor to CEO. Francis and Pacific Rim Senior Advisors have developed a practice working with small to mid-size companies, family businesses and nonprofit community groups in transition and development mode.

Richie Mayo, Chief Financial Officer, De Jager Farms

Richie Mayo was born and raised on a Central Valley dairy farm, completed his degree in agricultural economics at Fresno State, and is now the CFO of De Jager Farms, Inc. managing 18,000 acres of farmland. De Jager Farms primarily grows alfalfa, corn, and wheat to feed the roughly 25,000 milking cows within the De Jager family’s eight dairies. Along with farm management, Mayo has focused his career on playing a role in long-term planning and agronomics, as well as developing sustainable solutions for addressing resource management for dairies in California. Mayo played a key role in the development of technology that was recently nominated for the 2020 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award for contributing to positive effects on effluent management and water efficiency.

Frank Fernandes, Managing Partner, Legacy Ranches

Frank Fernandes is a 2nd generation dairy farmer along with brothers Jared and Josh in Pixley, CA and a managing partner of Legacy Ranches a 2800 cow Jersey dairy and Legacy Holsteins a 1500 cow Holstein dairy. Fernandes’ focus is managing the crop side of the operation consisting of 1700 acres of corn, wheat, alfalfa, and pistachios. The farm operation provides all forage needs for the dairy operations. Fernandes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business with an emphasis in Farm and Ranch Management from California State University, Fresno.

Ray Prock, Jr., Manager, Ray-Lin Dairy

Ray Prock, Jr. is the manager of Ray-Lin Dairy in Denair, Ca. Additionally, Ray and his family manage Bear Valley Land & Cattle in Klamath Falls OR. The Prock family takes great pride in the care and treatment of their animals, minimizing the dairy’s impact on the environment, and genuinely caring about the local and global community. It is this commitment to the community that led Ray to start attending the early meetings of the Turlock Management Zone.

Ray is currently a member of the Denair Unified School district Board Of Trustees, the California Beef Council and the CA FFA Foundation Alumni & Friends Engagement Committee. Ray was one of the founders of the Agchat Foundation and previously served on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

Dr. Michael J. Wolf, Consulting Veterinarian, VES Environmental Solutions

Dr. Michael J. Wolf has been a dairy practitioner since graduation from University of Minnesota 1979 and has been the owner of Country Drs. Veterinary Service since 1988 in Menomonie, WI. Since 2007 Wolf has had an increasing role as the consulting veterinarian for VES Environmental Solutions of Chippewa Falls, WI. This role has involved research in barn design, fresh air flow delivery and cooling strategies in new and refurbished adult and young stock facilities. Studying air flow patterns with sectional velocity mapping and videotaping in multiple barn arrangements has led to improved ventilation designs and the success of these systems is reflected in improved production, reproduction and animal health parameters with a ROI to the dairy owner.

Lenny De Leon, Safety & Health Consultant, Zenith Insurance Company

Leonardo De Leon works with dairies throughout the San Joaquin Valley as a Safety & Health Consultant for Zenith Insurance Company. De Leon joined in 2017, and plays a key role in developing resources to assist Zenith policyholders in reducing and/or preventing accidents or injuries. Before joining Zenith, De Leon was the Enterprise Manager for the Fresno State Dairy Unit. While attending Fresno State, De Leon worked as the Student Manager / Herdsman at the university’s dairy.

Joey Airoso, Dairy Farmer, Circle A Dairy

Joey Airoso’s family has operated Airoso Dairy in Pixley since 1912. Airoso works in partnership with his father, son, and grandson. Airoso serves as chairman of the Farm Credit West Board and Corporate Governance Committee and vice chairman of the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Airoso is dedicated to helping ensure a positive future for his community, serving on the Tulare Union High School Ag Advisory, College of Sequoias Ag Advisory, Central Valley Dairy Ground Water Monitoring Board, Pixley Irrigation Water Task Force, and Dairyman PAC and serves on the finance committee for St. John Catholic Church and CA Dairy Task Force.

John Talbot, CEO, California Milk Advisory Board

John Talbot brings more than 25 years of marketing and brand management experience to his role as CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) where he focuses on building awareness and demand for California milk and dairy products across the U.S. and around the world. In his most recent role as VP of global market development for the Almond Board of California, Talbot managed the continued growth of the global almond industry with a focus on market access, trade stewardship and consumer marketing. During his tenure at PepsiCo, Talbot managed global marketing properties between some of the company’s best-known and most prominent brands including Pepsi, Frito Lay, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC. Talbot’s extensive background in growing consumer brands also includes 2 years leading new product development for E&J Gallo Winery and running corporate marketing for technology-related businesses in communications and Internet services.

Fred Schonenberg, Founder, VentureFuel

VentureFuel helps large corporations and industries identify and partner with startups and breakthrough technologies to accelerate R&D, resulting in 100+ pilots, $12m+ in revenue for startups that are now valued at over $1.5bn.

Fred has spent 15+ years introducing new formats and first-to-market products to corporations with award winning creative solutions and ability to accelerate R&D to drive ROI. He runs innovation programs for brands like Nike, Pepsi, AB InBev, General Mills, Beam Suntory, etc. that include startup competitions, pilot programs, corporate strategy as well as large events such as the LIFT Summit, Rogue Women and Innovation Brew.

He is a frequent speaker at Cannes, SXSW, Advertising Week, Venturing Summit, etc. and an industry thought-leader published in Forbes, Ad Age, Business Insider, The Huffington Post, Media Post, The Drum, Creator Magazine, Adweek, Event Marketer, etc.

Joel Hastings, Editor and Publisher, DairyBusiness

Joel Hastings is editor and publisher of DairyBusiness, producing the bi-weekly digital magazine, video interviews and the DairyVoice podcast. Hastings has spent his career as a dairy journalist and publisher, and with Holstein World, The Dairyman and DairyBusiness magazines in the West, Midwest and Northeast. A native of Upstate New York, Hastings has traveled nationally and internationally working with dairy producers and ag businesses.

Susan Talamantes Eggman, Assemblymember, California State Assembly

Born and raised in Northern California, Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman grew up on her family’s small almond orchard and apiary in Turlock. She enlisted in the U.S. Army out of high school and served four years as a medic. After her service, she attended California State University, Stanislaus, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work. She worked as a mental health provider and medical social worker before completing a Ph.D. at Portland State University.

A professor of social work at Sacramento State University before her election to the legislature, Assemblymember Eggman was the first Latina to serve on the Stockton City Council. Her district, the 13th, includes the San Joaquin Delta communities of Stockton, Tracy, Thornton and Mountain House.

Assemblymember Eggman is the chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, and serves on the committees on Appropriations, Business and Professions, Natural Resources, and Utilities and Energy. She is the author of the landmark End of Life Option Act.

Adam Wylie, Associate Director, Environment & Global Responsibility, Leprino Foods Company

Adam Wylie has been responsible for environmental compliance and sustainability for over 23 years, beginning in the automotive industry, then in the foundry industry, and for Leprino Foods Company since 2013. Wylie also worked as a consultant performing environmental, health & safety audits for clients around the world. At Leprino, Wylie strives for tenacious continuous improvement while supporting Leprino’s employees in exercising their passions for Global Responsibility throughout their work and their lives. Wylie has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from Kettering University and a master’s degree in Environmental Science & Management from Duquesne University.

Mike Newland, Director of Agriculture Business Development, Propane Education & Research Council

Michael Newland is the Director of Agriculture Business Development for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). His role includes working with farmers and manufacturers to develop new uses for propane and new markets within the agriculture industry. Newland has more than 20 years of experience in sales, sales and project management, and brand development in the agriculture market. Prior to his role at PERC, Newland has served as National Sales Manager for Business Development at AgYield, Vice President of Sales and Operations for the Midwest USA Division of MagGrow, and Director of Field Operations and National Agronomist for Wilton Agriculture Strategies.

Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel, Director of Regulatory & Economic Affairs, Milk Producers Council

Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel started his work with Milk Producers Council as the Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs after retiring from a 39-year career as a dairy farmer in Southern California. Heuvel’s responsibilities include being the dairy industry’s eyes, ears and advocate as the various Ground Water Sustainability Agencies begin to implement the Groundwater Sustainability Management Act in California. Heuvel developed expertise in groundwater management and California water issues through is nearly three decades of experience serving on the boards of the Chino Basin Watermaster, The Chino Basin Water Conservation District as well as the Southern California Water Coalition where he continues to serve on the Executive Committee.

Pete Kappelman, Senior Vice President, Member and Government Relations, Land O’ Lakes, Inc.

Pete Kappelman brings a lifetime of experience to the role of Senior Vice President of Member and Government Relations, as a successful crop and dairy farmer along with his advocacy experience and board involvement with many agricultural organizations. Kappelman has been a leader in working with legislators on important ag policy issues including the Farm Bill, trade and immigration. He also served as an Ag Policy Advisor to the Administration for the United States Department of Agriculture and the Office of the United States Trade Representative and was named Director of the Year in 2018 by the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. His board service included the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, and the UW Center for Dairy Profitability.

Till Angermann, Principal Hydrogeologist, Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers

Till Angermann is the principal hydrogeologist at Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers. Angermann is a key contributor to the conceptualization and development of a representative groundwater monitoring approach as an alternative to site-by-site monitoring of all regulated dairies (estimated at 1,600 at that time) set forth in the 2007 Dairy General Order. Angermann has been serving as the technical program manager of the Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) since its inception in 2010. In 2014, Angermann served on the Agricultural Expert Panel, convened by the State Water Resources Control Board in the context of Senate Bill SBX2 1 as the sole hydrogeologist along seven other experts.

Jonathon Postma, Managing Partner, Pete Postma and Sons Dairy, GP

Jonathon Postma is a third generation dairyman from Modesto, California. Postma attended Fresno State University for 2 years then began his own dairy farm in the summer of 2002. Now, Pete Postma and Sons Dairy, GP milk 1,900 head of Jersey and Holstein cows using the first large scale robotic dairy in California to milk 600 of its cow.

Samir Sheikh, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

Samir Sheikh is the executive director and air pollution control officer for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Sheikh has nearly twenty years of experience in directing, developing, applying and administering air quality improvement programs. Sheikh was recently appointed to lead the largest air district in the state of California with some of the toughest air quality challenges in the nation. Serving a region facing a variety of economic and public health challenges, Sheikh has led the development and implementation of some of the toughest and most innovative air pollution control strategies in the nation while working cooperatively with the regulated community to reduce administrative costs and achieve environmental and economic balance.

Jenny Lester Moffitt, Farmer and Undersecretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Jenny Lester Moffitt is a 5th generation California farmer and Undersecretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, where she was Deputy Secretary from January 2015 – February 2018. Moffitt’s original appointment by Governor Jerry Brown was confirmed by Governor Gavin Newsom in early 2019. Moffitt engages stakeholders on issues that affect ranchers and farmers, including climate change, biodiversity, land use, water policy, and food security. Prior to joining CDFA, Jenny spent 10 years as Managing Director at Dixon Ridge Farms, her family’s organic walnut farm and processing operation.

J.P. Cativiela, Director of Environmental Regulatory Affairs, Dairy Cares Coalition

J.P. Cativiela has served as director of environmental regulatory affairs for the Dairy Cares coalition since 2001. Cativiela also serves as administrator of the Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP), a not-for-profit organization of more than 1,100 Central Valley dairy families assembled to conduct monitoring and develop recommendations for groundwater protection. Cativiela is a principal of Cogent Consulting and Communications, Inc., based in Sacramento.

Daryl Maas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Maas Energy Works

Daryl Maas is the founder and chief executive officer of Maas Energy Works, California’s largest dairy digester developer. The company has completed 10 California digesters, including a project on California’s largest dairy, and the state’s only operational dairy digester pipeline cluster, producing low carbon vehicle fuel. Maas began his agriculture career in 2007. Now with eleven years of constant expansion in three states, Mass and his team of over 35 full time digester experts are thrilled to see California producers gaining value from dairy energy.

Justin Gioletti, Vice President/Dairy Farmer, Robert Gioletti & Sons Dairy, Inc.

Justin Gioletti is a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Turlock, California. Gioletti and his family own and operate Robert Gioletti & Sons Dairy, Inc. Gioletti also serves as a board member of California Dairies, Inc., and is the chairman of the Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program.

Tammy Anderson-Wise, Chief Executive Officer, Dairy Council of California

Tammy Anderson-Wise serves as chief executive officer of Dairy Council of California (DCC). Guided by a passion for the role milk and dairy foods play in a healthy diet, Anderson-Wise leads DCC’s cause of elevating the health of children and parents through the pursuit of lifelong healthy eating habits. As chief executive officer, Anderson-Wise oversees the strategic direction of DCC and ensures it maximizes opportunities and drives innovation to fulfill its charge as the California dairy farming families and processors contribution to community health. Under Anderson-Wise’s direction, DCC implements a variety of nutrition education initiatives, including the development of materials, resources and lesson plans for educators, health and wellness providers and community leaders, focusing on behavior change and teaching individuals to make and have access to nutrient-rich food choices from all food groups.

Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director and President, Dairy Cares and West Coast Advisors

Michael Boccadoro, executive director of Dairy Cares and president of West Coast Advisors, has worked for more than 30 years in the public affairs arena. As president of West Coast Advisors, Boccadoro is responsible for overseeing the firm’s public affairs and government relations practices. Boccadoro also serves as executive director of the Agricultural Energy Consumers Association. Boccadoro specializes in public affairs consulting and media relations and has distinctive expertise in the areas of environmental regulation and sustainability, developing positive working relationships with key regulatory officials, staff, and media representatives involved in these arenas.

Dr. Ruihong Zhang, Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis

Dr. Ruihong Zhang is a professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at University of California, Davis. Dr. Zhang is also a leading expert in the fields of waste treatment and management, biogas and bioenergy and agricultural air quality. Dr. Zhang received an Achievement Award from California Bioresources Alliance in 2013 and was elected to Fellow of American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers in 2016.

Theresa “Tess” Dunham, Managing Shareholder, Somach Simmons & Dunn’s

Theresa “Tess” Dunham is Somach Simmons & Dunn’s managing shareholder. Somach’s legal skills are combined with a unique background outside of law, allowing her to help clients more strategically. Now an accomplished advisor on water quality issues, Dunham is called upon by growers and ranchers to help with situations they face. Dunham’s policy experience, gained from working for the Governor’s Office, the Department of Conservation, the California Farm Bureau Federation, and as a lobbyist, leaves her with not only an inside perspective of working with the public agencies that govern water quality, but with relationships that can mean the difference between reaching productive resolutions to problems.

Patrick Pulupa, Executive Officer, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board

Patrick Pulupa is the executive officer of the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board. For over a decade, Pulupa worked with the State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Chief Counsel, primarily representing the Central Valley Water Board. As lead attorney for the Regional Board, Pulupa worked to find equitable solutions for the diverse water quality issues facing the Central Valley. Prior experience includes work for the Sierra Club, the City and County of San Francisco, and the UC Davis Prison Law Clinic. Pulupa has a Bachelor of Arts in government and politics from the University of Maryland, and received his J.D. from the UC Davis School of Law (King Hall). Pulupa is a member of the State Bar of California.