Debbie Raven of Selma, CEO and president of Valley Small Business Development Corporation, started her one-year term on July 1 as the new president of the Ag One Foundation at Fresno State.

She previously served as vice president for Ag One — a development organization for the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology — and has also served as treasurer and secretary on its board of directors.

Raven succeeds Jason Karr of Derco Foods in Fresno.

Raven has led Valley Small Business Development Corporation since 2008. She started with the company in 1990 and established its agricultural lending program. Prior to that she was vice president and branch manager at the Visalia Production Credit Association after starting her career at the company as an agricultural loan officer.

“I am closely familiar with the academic excellence of Fresno State, specifically with the Craig School of Business and Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology,” Raven said. “I have been impressed with the education my employees and family members received at this University. Even more impressive is the commitment exhibited by the staff and the Ag One Foundation board members whose mission is to help raise support for Jordan College students and programs. I am honored and excited to be a part of this organization.”

Raven is active in several area organizations, including the Service Corps of Retired Executives Central Valley Advisory Board, Elkhorn 4-H Community Club and the Common Threads program that honors area women in agriculture.

She graduated from Cal Poly with honors in 1976 with a degree in agricultural business management. Raven is a partner with her husband and son in a diversified farm operation and dairy in the Selma-Kingsburg area.

Other updates to the board of directors include the election of John Migliazzo as vice president. Migliazzo, a former Fresno State student senator, graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s in agricultural communication. He later graduated from San Joaquin College of Law and passed the California Bar Exam in 2010. He is with the law office of Michael J.F. Smith in Fresno.

Don Parreira, co-owner of Ultra Gro Plant Food in Madera, was elected treasurer. Parreira graduated from Fresno State in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Ken Ramos joins the executive committee as secretary. The Wells Fargo president for Central California business banking graduated from Cal Poly with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business management.

Other new board members include Todd Ayerza of Campos Brothers Farms (Fresno State, 1992), Denise Junqueiro of the California Olive Commission (Fresno State, 2006) and Bill Purewal of Pure Fresh Sales (Fresno State, 1998).

A complete list of the board of directors is available at https://www.fresnostate.edu/jcast/agonefoundation/board-of-directors.html.

Since 1979, the Ag One Foundation has raised more than $17 million in endowed funds to benefit, promote and support the Jordan College, with more than 3,500 students receiving more than $2.5 million in scholarships and grants.

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