As part of a long-standing California Department of Food and Agriculture tradition, I, along with members of our executive team, spent time visiting staff across the agency during end-of-year holiday visits. We had the opportunity to connect with just a few of the many dedicated people who bring their expertise and passion to work every day in service of California agriculture.
These visits are, first and foremost, a time to say thank you! As 2025 comes to a close, I would like to recognize the good work that reflects on the entire food system we are all part of, and the remarkable diversity of roles that make it function. Moving division by division, we met with staff across the agency, acknowledging the expertise, collaboration, and public service that drive CDFA’s mission forward.
I also want to recognize the hundreds of volunteers who generously advise our programs through advisory boards. Their commitment strengthens our work, enhances our services, and contributes to making California agriculture the innovative, high-quality, and abundant producer it is today.
The employees behind CDFA’s programs help reinforce our shared commitment to service, innovation, and stewardship as the department looks ahead to the new year.
The photos below reflect our visits. Happy Holidays and may 2026 be a fruitful year for everyone in ag!
Divisions visited include:
Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, dedicated to protecting California’s citrus industry through prevention, detection, and outreach.CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, recognizes the work of the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, led by Claudia Vazquez, Director (pictured left with Secretary Ross).Administrative Services Division, along with the Office of Agricultural Resilience & Sustainability and the Office of Grant Administration, supporting CDFA’s operations, climate-smart initiatives, and critical grant programs.Executive Office, where leadership and coordination help guide the department’s work across all divisions.Standing center, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross; Deputy Secretary Arima Kozina; Dr. Annette Jones, State Veterinarian and Director (retiring) of the Animal Health & Food Safety Services Division, and Deputy Secretary Virginia Jameson. Secretary Ross thanked the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division for their extraordinary work in safeguarding animal health, dairy operations, and food safety programs statewide.CDFA Secretary Karen Ross connects online with CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division team members across the state during a staff meeting.Division of Measurement Standards Led by Kevin Schnepp, pictured center, the Division of Measurement Standards, ensures accuracy and equity in commercial weighing and measuring devices used across the state.Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) Led by Agency Chief Information Officer and ITSD Director Fredrick Gomez, the Information Technology Services Division supports CDFA’s mission by delivering secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. From infrastructure and cybersecurity to application development and user support, ITSD plays a critical role in keeping CDFA connected, protected, and operating efficiently across the state.CDFA Secretary Ross (center), visits Plant Health & Pest Prevention Services Division (led by Director Victoria Hornbaker, pictured center) which works to protect California’s agricultural and natural resources from invasive pests and diseases.Also pictured, the Pierce’s Disease Control Program, focused on protecting vineyards through research, prevention, and industry collaboration.Pierce’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program team, led by Joe Damiano, Statewide Coordinator.The Center for Analytical Chemistry within the Inspection Services Division, supporting food safety and regulatory programs through advanced laboratory science.CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (left), with Dr. Barzin Moradi, PhD, Branch Chief – Center for Analytical Chemistry; Director of the Inspection Services Division, Natalie Krout-Greenberg, and Carla Sanchez, Assistant Director — recognize Dr. Moradi’s exemplary leadership at CDFA.Pictured far left, Dr. Shaun Winterton, PhD, Branch Chief of the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center, within the Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division, helps protect California’s agriculture, environment, and public health by preventing, detecting, and managing invasive plant pests and diseases that threaten the state’s food supply and natural resources.Marketing Services and the Fairs & Expositions Division, led by Kathy Diaz (center with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross), promotes California agricultural products and supports the statewide network of fairs.
