Jennifer Skidgel-Clarke
Prunedale,CA
Summary
Results-driven Executive Director with a proven track record in fresh produce growing and harvesting practices. Seeking the Chief Operating Officer position at California Farm Bureau, leveraging a comprehensive background in managing multi-million-dollar budgets, overseeing impactful research initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships within the agricultural industry. Adept at strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, and driving operational excellence. Eager to contribute executive-level expertise to enhance organizational efficiency and achieve strategic goals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
CA Leafy Greens Research Board
Salinas
05.2018 - Current
- Organize regular meetings with board members to discuss progress on initiatives and solicit feedback
- Oversee the strategic direction and decisions of the organization
- Administer a budget of $2 million, allocating funds to support over $1.5 million in research initiatives related to leafy greens
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders to identify research priorities and issues that require investigation
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among researchers, industry professionals, and board members
- Effectively manage contracts with various organizations receiving funding from the board
- Organize and host an annual research conference, securing sponsorships to support the event
- Represent the organization in industry-related forums and events, enhancing its visibility and impact
Executive Director
Steinbeck Country Produce
Salinas, California
06.2010 - 05.2018
- Organized and managed comprehensive food safety programs across key growing regions in California, Arizona, and Mexico
- Served as the primary contact person for regulatory agencies and key third-party audits
- Provided support to the sales department, managing customer inquiries related to food safety, sustainability initiatives, and employee welfare policies
- Collaborated with international customers in Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and the UK
- Managed Human Resources and Labor Relations Department for a harvest department with 500 employees in California and Arizona
- Oversaw human resources functions such as recruitment, employee relations, training and benefits administration
- Developed and implemented proactive training programs for food safety, employee safety, and regulatory compliance
- Formulated policies that improved operational efficiency and productivity
- Created effective communication strategies between management team members and employees at all levels of the organization
- Represented the company at industry-level meetings and associations
Food Safety Manager & Pest Control Advisor
Christensen & Giannini, LLC
Salinas, California
11.2006 - 06.2010
- Created the company's food safety program in line with the FDA’s Guide to Minimizing Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, LGMA's Food Safety Metrics, and customer guidelines for farm and harvesting operations
- Worked with shippers to foster a positive environment with respect to food safety, increasing farm productivity, and ensuring sustainable market access
- Conducted training on food safety practices and worker health and hygiene
- Acted as a liaison for growers in Mexico to meet company's food safety requirements
- Coordinated third-party audits and worked with auditors for farm and harvest crew audits
- Ensured compliance with County, State, Federal agencies (air, water, hazardous waste, pesticide use, food safety, and occupational health and safety requirements)
- Investigated customer complaints regarding food safety issues
- Worked with seed breeders and ranch managers to monitor seed trials
- Set up trials with UC Farm Advisors to explore practices that would improve water quality and irrigation efficiency
- Acted as PCA when additional coverage was needed
- Regularly reviewed legislative bills and monitored their regulatory impacts
Pest Control Advisor & Farm GAP Coordinator
Tanimura & Antle, Inc.
Salinas, California
05.2004 - 11.2006
- Monitored and provided pest control recommendations for 4000 crop acres farmed internally and by contracted growers
- Implemented integrated pest management strategies for both conventional and organic lettuce, romaine, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery crops
- Collaborated with independent researchers and UC Entomology Farm Advisor to set up trials, evaluating the efficacy of new and existing pesticides for conventional and organic crops
- Managed a two acre organic plot used for experimental purposes, contributing to innovative agricultural practices
- Authored and implemented Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standard operating procedures for farm management in collaboration with the Director of Food Safety
- Acted as the farm representative during Global GAP and other third-party audits, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining high-quality and safe farming practices
- Coordinated with key personnel before and during third-party audits in California and Arizona growing regions, ensuring a smooth and successful audit process.
Agricultural Biologist
Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner
Salinas
10.2002 - 10.2004
- Inspected on-farm pesticide use by growers and pest control businesses to ensure regulatory compliance
- Conducted audits of growers and pest control businesses for paperwork and safety compliance, contributing to increased adherence to regulations
- Investigated pesticide exposure and illness cases, demonstrating a commitment to the health and safety of agricultural workers
- Prepared and conducted continuing education sessions for growers, licensed pest control advisors, and licensed pesticide applicators, enhancing industry knowledge and compliance
- Played a vital role in supporting the overall mission of the Agricultural Commissioner's office in ensuring the responsible and safe use of pesticides
Supply Management
Earthbound Farms
San Juan Bautista, CA
05.2000 - 10.2002
- Collaborated with the sales department to manage packaging inventory, ensuring timely availability and efficient utilization
- Assisted in coordinating logistics within the cooler, supporting the sales team in managing the Walmart account efficiently
- Executed data entry tasks related to planting schedules and harvest information, contributing to accurate record-keeping.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA01-2000
Skills
- Stakeholder Relations
- Program Management
- Staff Management
- Contract Management
- Community Engagement
- Fundraising
- Financial Management
- Strategic Planning
- Event Management
- Relationship Building
- Human Resources Management
- Profit and Loss Statements
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Compliance and Regulations
Professional Memberships And Community Involvement
· Monterey Credit Union, Board of Directors | 2017 - Present
· California Specialty Crops Council, Current Board Chair | 2018 - Present
· Grower Shipper Foundation, Board of Directors | 2019 - Present
· Resource Conservation District of Monterey County, Board of Directors, Vice President | 2019 - Present
· IR-4 Commodity Liaison Committee | 2019 - Present
· UC IPM Program Advisory Council | 2023 - Present
· Monterey County Farm Bureau, Board of Directors | 2006 - 2018
· California Women for Agriculture, Salinas Valley Chapter, Past President and Current Member
· North Monterey County Unified School, Board Trustee (Elected position) | 2011 - 2015
Certification
Agricultural Pest Control Advisor License, California Department of Pesticide Regulations | 2002 - 2011
Agricultural Qualified Applicator License, California Department of Pesticide Regulations | 2002 - 2011
Certified Crop Advisor License, American Society of Agronomy | 2008 - 2011
HACCP Certification, International HACCP Alliance | 2013
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Executive Director
CA Leafy Greens Research Board
05.2018 - Current
Executive Director
Steinbeck Country Produce
06.2010 - 05.2018
Food Safety Manager & Pest Control Advisor
Christensen & Giannini, LLC
11.2006 - 06.2010
Pest Control Advisor & Farm GAP Coordinator
Tanimura & Antle, Inc.
05.2004 - 11.2006
Agricultural Biologist
Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner
10.2002 - 10.2004
Supply Management
Earthbound Farms
05.2000 - 10.2002
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Agricultural Pest Control Advisor License, California Department of Pesticide Regulations | 2002 - 2011
Agricultural Qualified Applicator License, California Department of Pesticide Regulations | 2002 - 2011
Certified Crop Advisor License, American Society of Agronomy | 2008 - 2011
HACCP Certification, International HACCP Alliance | 2013
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