Ryan Jacobsen, of Easton, was elected as new president of the Ag One Foundation at Fresno State.

Established in 1979, the Ag One Foundation benefits, promotes and supports the university’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. It has raised more than $16 million in endowed funds, with 3,250 students receiving more than $2.3 million in scholarships and grants.

Jacobsen will continue in his role as executive director of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, representing more than 4,000 members on air quality, land use, water, labor and other agricultural issues. Jacobsen also serves on the board for the Fresno Irrigation District.

“It’s a tremendous privilege to lead an organization that has contributed to so many students’ lives, including mine as a past scholarship recipient,” said Jacobsen, who served two terms as student body president at Fresno State from 2001 to 2003. “Ag One has a rich history with many of the region’s agricultural leaders and innovators.”

Jacobsen, the fourth generation of two Fresno County farm families, is an honors graduate of Fresno State with a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s in animal science. As a student, he was recognized as the Jordan College Dean’s Medalist and the Craig School of Business Graduate Dean’s Medalist.

“My experiences as a student at Fresno State were life-changing and set me on the path to where I am today,” Jacobsen said. “Supporting the university is an important part of my life to ensure that today’s students can continue to reap the many benefits that were once offered to me.”

Ag One also announced other additions to its executive board. Jason Karr of Derco Foods was elected vice president. Karr graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics in 1998 and a master’s in business administration in 2005.

Debbie Raven, CEO of Valley Small Business Development Corporation, was elected treasurer. Raven graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1976 with honors in agricultural business management.

John Migliazzo of the law office of Michael J.F. Smith, was elected secretary. Migliazzo, a former student senator at Fresno State, graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s in agricultural communication. He then graduated from San Joaquin College of Law and passed the California Bar Exam in 2010.

Other new board members include: Aaron Attebery of Green Leaf Farms (Fresno State, 2001); Ken Ramos of Wells Fargo (Cal Poly); and Don Parreira of Ultra Gro (Fresno State, 1980).

For more information on the Ag One Foundation, upcoming events or to become a member, visit www.agonefoundation.org or call 559.278.4266.

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