Program Director
Leanna Sweha has an agtech and aglaw background. She was a researcher at USDA, served as an attorney for the State of California, and negotiated research agreements for the University of California, Davis. She is passionate about sustainable ag and food tech startups.
presidenT
John Selep serves as President of the AgTech Innovation Alliance, the 501(c)3 non-profit behind AgStart. As a business consultant, investor, and technology executive, John has worked with dozens of startup companies launching new technologies in the Agriculture, Food tech, and other technology domains. John is a frequent mentor at AgStart Office Hours and AgStart founder education workshops. John is also a Board Director for the Sacramento Angels, a regional investor organization, and is a Principal Advisor through LARTA to numerous startup entrepreneurs associated with USDA SBIR awards.
John Selep serves as President of the AgTech Innovation Alliance, the 501(c)3 non-profit behind AgStart. As a business consultant, investor, and technology executive, John has worked with dozens of startup companies launching new technologies in the Agriculture, Food tech, and other technology domains. John is a frequent mentor at AgStart Office Hours and AgStart founder education workshops. John is also a Board Director for the Sacramento Angels, a regional investor organization, and is a Principal Advisor through LARTA to numerous startup entrepreneurs associated with USDA SBIR awards.
Advisory Board & Mentor Network
Chris Chediak
has a JD from the University
of Southern California and is
a leading corporate finance
attorney at Weintraub Tobin.
has a JD from the University
of Southern California and is
a leading corporate finance
attorney at Weintraub Tobin.
Jack Coots is a Regional Manager of Farm Data Systems, Inc. and previously founded Professional Grower Services, LLC. Jack is a graduate of the California Agriculture Leadership Program, further developing his skills and connections throughout the agriculture industry.
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Patrick Dosier is an Agronomist and the Co-Founder of TransValley AgTech. He is a California State Polytechnic University – Ponoma alumnus who likes to be on the cutting edge of specialty crop science and technology.
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Ken Hiatt serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Woodland. Ken has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis.
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Julie Morris is Academic Coordinator, Food and Agriculture Industry Immersion at the University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management. With a Harvard MBA, Morris has held the positions of CFO of Marrone Bio Innovations and CFO at SureClinical.
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Joe Schmidt is Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for BioConsortia. With an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School Of Business, Schmidt has over 20 years of experience in business development, strategic planning, and financial management.
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Ryan Sharp is Associate Director for Economic Engagement for Venture Catalyst at the University of California, Davis. Ryan has a background in economic development, management consulting and technical research. He has a Master's in International Affairs, Public Policy & Administration from California State University, Sacramento.
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With a JD from the University of Pacific – McGeorge School of Law, Chris Russell is Partner at Stoel Rives, LLP in Sacramento.
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Robert Tse is currently State Broadband Coordinator and Community Planning and Development Specialist at USDA CA Rural Development. His background is in strategic vision and implementation, and technology solutions.
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