Keynote Speakers
Paul Wenger
President, California Farm Bureau Federation
A third-generation farmer growing walnuts and almonds in Modesto, Paul Wenger has been a statewide Farm Bureau officer since 1997. Wenger will address the general membership on Monday, December 3, during the morning session.
YF&R Discussion Meet
Want a glimpse into the future? Be sure to catch the YF&R Discussion Meet and see agriculture's future leaders compete for top spokesperson honors, cash prizes and a trip to Nashville, Tenn., as they tackle some of the industry's most pressing issues. The final round of competition for the open division will take place Monday during the general session. For more information, visit www.cfbf.com/programs/YFR.
Gaddi Vasquez
Senior V.P. Public Affairs, Southern California Edison
As Vice President of Public Affairs, Gaddi Vasquez is responsible for representing SCE's interests in Sacramento, including support of legislation. Prior to SCE, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies based in Rome.
Roger F. Greaves
Chairman of the Board, Health Net Inc.
Health Net provides health services to more than 13 million individuals. Roger Greaves is considered the company's founder and prior to this service he was an executive with Blue Cross and a manager with the Allstate Insurance Company. He is also the founder of the California Wellness program.
Ann Veneman
2012 President's Award Recipient
Ann Veneman has a distinguished career in public service, serving as the executive director of UNICEF, a position she held from 2005 to 2010. Previously, Veneman was the United States secretary of agriculture, the first and only woman to hold that position. She has also served in other high-level positions in federal and state government, including being appointed California secretary of food and agriculture, serving from 1995 to 1999. A lawyer by training, Veneman has practiced law in Washington, D.C., and California, including being a deputy public defender in Stanislaus County. Her leadership and vision placed her on the 2009 Forbes 100 world's most powerful women list. Veneman was raised on a peach farm in Modesto.