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The 54th class of the California Agricultural Leadership Program – an advanced leadership development experience for emerging, mid-career leaders in agriculture – has been announced. The 24 individuals will go through a 17-month intensive program with some 55 seminar days, including a 10-day national travel seminar and a 14-day international travel seminar.

The Rancho California Water District board appointed Jason Martin general manager. Tara Sweeney joined the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources – UCANR – supporting F3Local. The Conservation Lands Foundation tapped Chris Hill as CEO. The Environmental Council of the States tapped Jon Niermann as the group’s next president. 

Former Senate Ag Committee chief economist John Newton is joining Terrain where he will lead a team of economists and analysts. Jamila Thompson was appointed chief of staff and Jon Hurst was promoted to special advisor for agriculture for United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

Darryl Blakey joined BASF as manager of government affairs. Emma Scott was appointed director of the food and agriculture clinic at Vermont Law and Graduate School. The Conservation Lands Foundation tapped Chris Hill as CEO. The World Shipping Council appointed Tamekia Flack as director of U.S. government relations. 

The former chief economist for Republicans on the Senate Ag Committee is moving to Terrain, where he will lead a team of economists and analysts.

Tuesday was John Newton's last day as the chief economist for the Senate Agriculture Committee under ranking member John Boozman of Arkansas. Bob Petersen will retire from Petersen Consulting, the firm he founded in 2004. Erica Venancio, the firm’s senior executive, will assume leadership of the firm.  

After 13 years, Lisa Humphreys’ time at the United Soybean Board came to an “unexpected and abrupt halt,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post. The U.S. Grains Council has added staff and made multiple promotions: Burhan Chaudhry, Juan Diaz, Sam Clemence, Lucas Rudy and Sam Redfern. 

David Shabazian was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the State Board of Food and Agriculture. Rick Alcocer, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, is retiring after more than 40 years working in the produce industry. Genevieve O’Sullivan departed as vice president of communications at CropLife America after eight years. 

Luke Tomanelli joined UPL as head of U.S. government and industry affairs. Berries Paradise elected César Ortiz as CEO. He succeeds Roberto Samano who is departing after a decade leading the group. 

The International Dairy Foods Association promoted Matt Herrick to executive vice president and chief impact officer. Stetson Bryson will join the National Pork Producers Council as manager of congressional relations. POET LLC hired Paige Lindgren as director of public affairs. The American Agricultural Law Association announced the group’s incoming board members: Ashley Ellixson as president-elect as well as Chelsea Good and Kale Van Bruggen as directors.

The Consumer Brands Association announced staff hires and changes: Erin Raden, Jonathon Bridgeman, Jennifer Smith and Olivia Cipriano were added to staff. Sarah Gallo and John Hewittwere both promoted.

The Almond Alliance on Friday announced Alexi Rodriguez as the organization's next CEO, starting in January.