Brawley ag executive chosen for exclusive leadership

BRAWLEY — A fourth-generation member of one of the Valley’s most prominent farming families is among 24 persons statewide chosen to participate in an advanced leadership development program for emerging agricultural leaders.

Kate Elmore, chief financial officer of the family-owned Vail Ranches LLC and Sahara Packing Co. LLC, will be inaugurated into the 17-month program on Oct. 11 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

The training consists of leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical and strategic thinking, change management, emotional intelligence and complex social and cultural issues. Seminars are delivered by four partner universities: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State and UC Davis. Fellows will participate in 55 seminar days, including an eight-day national travel seminar and a 15-day international travel seminar.

CALF invests approximately $55,000 per fellow to participate in the program, which is underwritten by individual and industry donations.

Elmore said the screening process for the program is fairly rigorous, including application forms, a written essay and a personal interview. Once she has completed the program in February 2020, she said she hopes to walk away from the experience a better leader, communicator and manager who can use those tools to advocate for agriculture on a broader scale.

Ag Leadership is considered to be one of the premier leadership programs in the United States, according to a release. Since it was first delivered in 1970, more than 1,300 men and women have participated in the program and have become influential leaders and active volunteers in the agriculture industry and other areas.