Jason Karr, of Derco Foods in Fresno, is the 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 more than 3,350 students receiving more than $2.4 million in scholarships and grants.

Karr spent 12 years working in agricultural finance for Bank of the West. In 2012, he entered the tree nut export business with Derco Foods.

“Fresno State is the premier agriculture college in California and Ag One is helping expand programs for the future as well as supporting students who will be tomorrow’s leaders,” Karr said.  “Agribusinesses need highly skilled and driven individuals to manage their businesses.  Ag One is working to support students and the Jordan College to ensure California’s agriculture industry will have the qualified leaders they need.”

Karr graduated from the Jordan College with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics in 1998 and completed his master’s degree in business administration in 2005. He is a San Joaquin Valley native who grew up in Bakersfield and now resides in Fresno with his family.

“As an alumnus of Fresno State, involvement in Ag One is a way to give back to the agricultural program,” Karr said. “I was a recipient of an Ag One scholarship and know the importance of supporting students and the college.”

Elected at the May meeting, Karr and his new executive board began their one-year terms July 1:

  • Vice President Debbie Raven, CEO of Valley Small Business Development Corporation graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1976 with honors in agricultural business management.
  • Treasurer John Migliazzo, an attorney with the law office of Michael J.F. Smith, graduated in 2007 from Fresno State with a bachelor’s in agricultural communication and served as a student senator. He graduated from San Joaquin College of Law and passed the California Bar Exam in 2010.
  • Secretary Don Parreira, co-owner of Ultra Gro Plant Food, graduated from Fresno State in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Other new board members include: Gary Brunsvik of Bolen, Fransen Sawyers (Brigham Young University, 1979 and 1980); Nick Blom of Blom’s Ranch, Inc. (Fresno State, 1994); and Jonathan Andrews, of Andrews Farms (Fresno State, 2002).  

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