American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently announced its 16th LeadOn pistachio industry leadership class. Training motivated individuals with vested interest in the success and future of the U.S. pistachio industry, APG has developed this program to prepare the next generation of pistachio industry leaders.
Jeff Anderson of Meridian Growers serves as the Chair of the LeadOn Committee and shared his enthusiasm for the program. “I believe that this course is going to play a more important role for APG moving forward,” he shared. “Our purpose is to develop the next generation of APG leaders and introduce them to the inner workings of our brand. Also, the support team is second to none, and I look forward to the future of the program. I think we have an excellent class this year.”
And the plan is working. A number of young LeadOn graduates are now serving as directors on the APG Board.
Interest in this leadership program has grown tremendously over the years, with the largest class ever having graduated in February 2025. In order to refine the course and experience, the LeadOn committee determined to make some changes to the program effective last year. “We capped the class at 18 and will remain that size going forward,” Anderson explained. “We like the smaller and more intimate class size. Another change is a grading system for each application to make it a little more competitive. I’m very excited for what’s to come!”
This year’s LeadOn cohort includes:
DJ Ellsworth, Meridian Growers
Jeremy Nugent, Oro Vista Farms, LLC
Madeline Bollengier, Sharon Naraghi Farms
Michael Brady, Setton Farms
Matthew Mattos, Terra West Group/Mattos & Sons
Lindsey Herman, Primex Farms
Anthony Jacobo, L&P Pistachio LLC
Todd Azevedo, Stone Land Company
Matthew Cardoso, Horizon Nut Company
Adam Collins, Peacock Nut Co.
Henry Woolf, Mike Woolf Farming, LLC
Richard Searle, Cochise Groves
Mando Perez, Semios
Krista Tavares, Syngenta
Valentin Medina, Fuerza Harvesting
April Taffera, Vestaron Crop Protection
Joseph Brewer, G3 Enterprises
Expected to graduate at APG’s 2027 annual Pistachio Industry Conference, this 2026-27 class will meet each month covering topics ranging from pistachio production and processing to marketing, food safety to government relations and advocacy, etc… Learn more about this year’s cohort in the coming issues of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. The monthly “LeadOn Spotlight” column will highlight each of the class members and their commitment to the future of the pistachio industry, as directed by Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm, an alumni of the program who serves on the LeadOn Committee. Subscribe to receive the monthly publication HERE.