UC ANR Foundation Board members convened March 16–17 in Davis and Fair Oaks for their second annual in-person board meeting. The convening blended field-based learning with strategic conversations about philanthropy and partnership in support of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The UC ANR Foundation Board of Directors’ mission is to promote and grow philanthropy that advances UC ANR research, education and extension work across California.
To accomplish this mission, the board members serve as ambassadors and advocates for UC ANR, engaging their networks and helping to secure private support for programs that strengthen agriculture and food systems, steward natural resources and working landscapes, and improve community health and well-being.
On the first day of the March gathering, UC Master Gardener Program Director Missy Gable gave the board an overview of the program and noted some of its impacts. Then she guided the group on a tour of the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center’s demonstration gardens, water-wise landscapes, integrated pest management plantings and food production areas that showcase UC ANR’s outreach to communities across California.
Board members also participated in a UC Master Gardener hands-on demonstration and enjoyed time together over dinner, strengthening their shared commitment to UC ANR’s mission.
On the second day, the board met at UC ANR’s Sacramento Valley Room in Davis for a focused business session that highlighted the foundation’s growing role in advancing fundraising efforts for UC ANR. Chaired by Corinne Martinez, the agenda included board business, updates on gift administration and reports on current-year gift totals from Development Services leaders Andrea Ambrose and Greg Gibbs.
Vice President Glenda Humiston led a forward-looking conversation about a potential UC ANR-wide fundraising initiative. There were engaging open discussions on board recruitment, standing committee work and the annual board fundraising goal. Throughout, the board expressed enthusiasm for expanding philanthropic support that helps UC ANR deliver research, education and extension to communities statewide.
The board meets quarterly, including a two-day in-person meeting each year. In March 2027, the board will travel to UC South Coast Research and Extension Center and UC Cooperative Extension in Orange County to learn more about research and extension activities and to gain first-hand insight into current challenges and future opportunities.
The UC ANR Foundation Board of Directors comprises:
- Don Bransford
- Jennifer Bunge - Treasurer, ex officio board member
- Tom Delfino
- Bill Frost
- Greg Gibbs - Secretary, ex officio board member
- Anne Haddix
- Glenda Humiston - Vice President, ex officio board member
- Julia Inestroza
- Corinne Martinez - Chair
- Kathy McLaughlin
- Soapy Mulholland - Vice Chair
- Sharon Nance
- Stephen Reid