Media Contact:
Theresa Kiehn
President & CEO AgSafe
theresa@agsafe.org
209-526-4400
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AgSafe Announces 2026 Board Leadership and New Board Member Appointment
MODESTO, CA — December 17, 2026 — AgSafe, a nonprofit leader in safety and human resources in the agricultural industry, is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors leadership and the appointment of a new board member.
CarrieAnn Arias has been elected Chair of the AgSafe Board of Directors for 2026. Arias currently serves as President and CEO of USA Pears, where she leads global marketing and strategic initiatives supporting U.S. pear growers and shippers. She brings extensive executive leadership and marketing experience within the agricultural and produce industries, with a career focused on building strong organizations, effective teams, and trusted industry partnerships.
In addition to her professional background, Arias has been actively involved with AgSafe for more than 15 years, serving as a board member, volunteer, and trusted advisor. Her long-standing commitment to AgSafe’s mission and deep understanding of the organization’s history, values, and members uniquely position her to lead the board during this next chapter.
“CarrieAnn’s leadership is grounded in both experience and service,” said Theresa Kiehn, President & CEO of AgSafe. “Her many years of volunteer involvement with AgSafe, combined with her strategic insight and collaborative approach, make her an exceptional choice to serve as board chair.”
AgSafe also welcomes Abby Taylor-Silva as a new member of the Board of Directors. Taylor-Silva serves as Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs at Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP, where she works closely with agricultural organizations on legislative and regulatory matters. She brings nearly two decades of experience in agricultural advocacy, policy development, and leadership, including prior roles with the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, California Strawberry Commission, Ag Against Hunger, and the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California.
“Abby brings a strong understanding of agricultural policy, regulatory compliance, and community leadership,” added Kiehn. “Her perspective and experience will be a valuable asset to AgSafe and the agricultural employers we serve.”
Together with Arias and Taylor-Silva, AgSafe’s 2026 Board of Directors reflects a broad cross-section of agricultural employers, service providers and industry leaders committed to strong governance and service to the agricultural community. The full board includes:
- Jesse Aldrete III, Valley Labor
- Jacqueline Alvarado, J.G. Boswell Company
- CarrieAnn Arias, USA Pears
- Sam Eastman, Brent Eastman Insurance
- Daniel Kurdys, Pairwise
- Courtney Lyons, Vino Farms
- Monica Marquez, Driscoll’s
- Patrick Moody, Barsamian & Moody
- Alfonso Orozco, Braga Ranch & Al Pak Labor
- James Parker IV, James G. Parker Insurance Associates
- Tony Shelton, The Wonderful Company
- Abby Taylor-Silva, Kahn, Soares & Conway
- Sachin Varma, UnitedAg
The 2026 AgSafe Board of Directors reflects the organization’s commitment to strong governance, industry expertise, and leadership rooted in service. Together, the board will support AgSafe’s ongoing efforts to provide practical training, resources, and guidance that help agricultural employers create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces.
ABOUT AGSAFE
AgSafe is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 68-0259724) established in 1991 and recognized as an educational leader in agricultural safety, human resources and leadership development. The organization provides training, education, and practical tools to support agricultural employers, supervisors, and workers in promoting safe workplaces, regulatory compliance, and effective leadership practices. Headquartered in California, AgSafe delivers programs nationwide, including Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, through in-person instruction, virtual learning, and partnerships with industry organizations. Agricultural employers and those seeking additional information about AgSafe and its services can visit www.agsafe.org, email safeinfo@agsafe.org or call 209-526-4400.