The California FFA Foundation is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its Board of Directors, welcoming Kristann “Kristi” Silkwood Mattes as Chair of the Board and Daniel Meza to the Executive Committee. The Foundation also extends its sincere appreciation to Emily Rooney for her dedicated service as Board Chair since 2022.
Mattes brings a lifetime of commitment to agricultural education and California FFA. In 1971, she made history as California FFA's first female state officer, a distinction that marked the beginning of decades of service to agricultural education. An agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Minarets High School, she also serves as President of The Ponderosa Telephone Company, a family-owned communications and internet company that connects rural communities through advanced fiber technology. Raised on her family's ranch, Mattes has long been a champion for agriculture, education, and rural communities.
Throughout her career, Mattes has worked to create meaningful opportunities for students while expanding agricultural education programs. Her leadership helped establish a thriving agricultural education environment at Minarets High School, where she continues to serve as Chair of the Agricultural Department. She earned the American Farmer Degree in 1973 and received the Honorary American FFA Degree in 1996. Among her many accomplishments, she considers receiving the Star State Advisor Award in 1990 to be one of her proudest honors.
A longtime advocate for California FFA, Mattes has served on the California FFA Foundation Board of Directors for 49 years and has dedicated nearly five decades to advancing agricultural education. Her leadership includes service as Chair of the State FFA Adult Board, multiple terms as a California Agricultural Teachers' Association Governing Board Representative, and countless contributions to agricultural education at the local, regional, state, and national levels.
"Kristi brings a lifetime of dedication to agricultural education and the Foundation's mission," said Matt Patton, executive director of the California FFA Foundation. "Her deep understanding of our history, unwavering commitment to student success, and passion for preparing the next generation of leaders make her exceptionally well-suited to lead the Foundation into its next chapter."
The Foundation also welcomes Daniel Meza to its Executive Committee. Meza has served as Vice President and Commercial Lender at Farmers & Merchants
Bank of Central California since 2011 and has been an active supporter of agricultural education and California FFA. His financial expertise and industry knowledge will help guide the Foundation as it continues to expand opportunities for FFA members across the state.
As part of the transition, Rooney will continue serving on the Board and Executive Committee as Past Chair. During her tenure as chair, the Foundation celebrated the success of the Seeds of Impact Campaign, strengthened strategic partnerships, and advanced efforts to support agricultural education throughout California.
"The California FFA Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to Emily Rooney for her exceptional service as Chair of the Board of Directors," Patton said. "Her thoughtful leadership, willingness to ask important questions, and commitment to the Foundation's mission have left a lasting impact."
Together, Mattes, Meza, and the Foundation's Board of Directors will continue advancing the mission of supporting more than 110,000 California FFA members as they prepare for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
