MONTEREY, Calif. — Roger A. Isom, president and CEO of the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association (CCGGA) and Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), has joined the board of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF).
Isom has worked for CCGGA since 1992 and WAPA since 2009. He has 31 years of regulatory and legislative advocacy experience, specializing in environmental and safety matters. Isom’s responsibilities include the management of staff and day-to-day operations of CCGGA and WAPA. During his career, he has served on numerous boards and committees; he currently serves as president of the Ag Energy Consumers Association and manages the Navel Orangeworm Action Committee. In July 2023, Isom was named president of the Ag One Foundation at Fresno State, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.
“Roger will be a strong addition to our dedicated board,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “His insight, plus decades of experience and leadership in California agriculture, will benefit the foundation’s success. His staff includes an Ag Leadership Program alum and a Class 52 fellow, so he understands the value of the program and fully supports the foundation’s mission, vision and values.”
Said Isom, “Having worked the past three decades in the regulatory and legislative arena on agricultural issues, I know how important it is to have strong up and coming leaders in our industry. With so many colleagues, members, board members and staff participate in Ag Leadership, I have seen firsthand the effectiveness of the program. I am thrilled to be considered for this position, and I look forward to helping the foundation develop the leaders who will fight for our industry for years to come.”
Isom joins 11 CALF board members, including Michael Young, Wegis & Young, chair; Cameron Boswell, J.G. Boswell Company, vice chair; Emily Rooney, Agricultural Council of California, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas, Reiter Affiliated Companies; Jason Cole, Cole Limited; Correen Davis, Gorrill Ranch; Rob Goff, Wonderful Orchards; Fidela Irigoyen, Wells Fargo; Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, Land IQ; Paul Parreira, RPAC; and Dr. Martin Sancho-Madriz, Cal Poly Pomona.
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.
–California Agricultural Leadership Foundation




