1-3 DECEMBER 2021

NCAE AG EMPLOYER FORUM

M Resort Hotel • Henderson, Nevada
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30
3:30 PM Executive Committee Meeting - Marche 3
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1
BREAKFAST 7:00-8:00 AM - VUE
8:00 AM Invocation - Milan 6
Michael Lalich, President, Low Country Labor
8:05 AM Welcome and Sponsor Thank You - Milan 6
Michael Lalich, President, Low Country Labor
8:10 AM Nevada State FFA - Milan 6
Shayle Adams, President, Moapa Valley FFA
Andi Webber, Vice-President, Moapa Valley FFA
8:30 AM Open of Forum - Milan 6
Michael Marsh, President & CEO, National
Council of Agricultural Employers
9:00 AM Federal Legislative Update - Milan 6
Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President, AmericanHort
9:45 AM Break - Milan 1, 2, 3
10:00 AM Trends in Ag Labor - Milan 6
Phil Martin, Professor Emeritus of
Agricultural and Resource Economics, UC-Davis
10:30 AM N avigating Ag Labor Reform in the Biden
Administration - Milan 6
Lynn Jacquez, Managing Partner and Principal, CJ Lake
11:00 AM C  DC/NCFH/NCAE Partnership to Protect
Agricultural Workers During the COVID-19
Pandemic - Milan 6
Alfonso Rodriguez, Epidemiologist, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
Sylvia Partida, Chief Executive Officer,
National Center for Farmworker Health
11:45 AM Lunch - Vue
12:50 PM Message from Jamaica - Milan 6
Minister Zavier Mayne, Ministry of State, Jamaica
7:00 PM DINNER ON YOUR OWN
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1:10 PM U nderstanding Ransomware & Making
Cybersecurity a Priority - Milan 6
Greg Gatzke, President, ZAG Technical Services
2:10 PM R  eport from H-2A Committee &
Hot Topics in Ag Labor - Milan 6
Ryan Ayres, Director of Human Resources,
FirstFruits Farms
Shawn Packer, Principal, JPH Law
2:50 PM Break - Milan 1, 2, 3
3:00 PM M anaging Through COVID - Milan 6
Steve Scaroni, President, Fresh Harvest
3:30 PM T  he Impact of COVID on Farmworker
Housing in Washington - Milan 6
Mike Gempler, Executive Director,
Washington Growers League
Jon DeVaney, President, Washington State
Tree Fruit Association
4:00 PM T  he Importance of Telling Your Story -
Milan 6
Luawanna Hallstrom, Certified Story
Facilitator, Collaborative Communications
Mike Saqui, Senior Counsel, FisherPhillips
Nigel Bocanegra, Executive Director, California Farm
Labor Contractors Association
5:00 PM M ember Vendor Spotlight on Compliance -
Milan 6
Michael Gurguis, Chief Executive Officer, SESO
5:30 PM Happy Quarter Hour Q & A - Milan 6
Michael Lalich, President, Low Country Labor
Lynn Jacquez, Managing Partner and Principal,
CJ Lake
Michael Marsh, President & CEO, National
Council of Agricultural Employers
6:00 PM W  ine Reception - Milan 1, 2, 3
Featuring Wonderful Wines
Provided by Mercer Ranches
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
BREAKFAST 7:00-8:00 AM - VUE
8:00 AM W
 orkers’ Compensation – Emerging Trends
and Key Issues Impacting Your Business -
Milan 6
Moderator: Fred Martinez, Assistant Vice President,
Business Development, Zenith Insurance Company
Panel: Stefanie Moshier, Vice President Customer
Service, Zenith Insurance Company
Cathryn R Pine, Vice President, California Claims Legal,
Chernow and Lieb, A Legal Division of Zenith
Insurance Company
Ashli Sturgill, Safety & Health Service Specialist,
Zenith Insurance Company
9:00 AM Emerging Issues with OSHA and CalOSHA -
Milan 6
Jess McCluer, Vice President of Safety and Regulatory
Affairs, National Grain and Feed Association
Bryan Little, Chief Operations Officer, Farm
Employers Labor Service, California
Farm Bureau Federation
9:50 AM Break - Milan 1, 2, 3
10:00 AM Message from Guatemala - Milan 6
Vice-Minister Jennie Salazar, Ministry of Labor,
Government of Guatemala
10:20 AM Tax Issues for Farmers - Milan 6
Adam Kantrovich, Ph.D., Clemson University
Cooperative Extension
10:50 AM M  anagement with Employee Retention
in Mind - Milan 6
Stan Moore, Educator, Michigan State
University Extension
11:20 AM Message from El Salvador - Milan 6
Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Government of El Salvador
11:40 AM C  anaries in the Coal Mine: California and
Washington Labor Laws - Milan 6
Jason Resnick, Vice President and General Counsel,
Western Growers Association
Diane Butler, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine
Scott Dilley, Communications Director, Washington
State Dairy Federation
12:30 PM Lunch - Vue
5:20 PM DINNER ON YOUR OWN!
1:20 PM H  -2A 101 and Advanced Topics
Breakout Sessions
H-2A 101: Audits and Investigations for
New Program Users - Milan 6
Tom Bortnyk, Vice President and General Counsel,
MAS Labor
Advanced Topics: Immigration Alternatives
to the H-2A – from Temp to PERM:
Risks and Opportunities - Modena
Joel Anderson, Executive Director, Snake River
Farmers’ Association
2:20 PM H  -2A 101 and Advanced Topics Breakout
Sessions
H-2A 101: When H-2A Does Not Work:
Alternative Solutions For Growers and
Ranchers - Milan 6
Wendel Hall, Founding Member, Hall Law Firm
Kara Youngblood, Partner, Youngblood & Associates
Advanced Topics: Wage and Hour Litigation
Involving H-2As - Modena
Rebecca Hause-Schultz, Of Counsel, FisherPhillips
3:15 PM Break - Milan 1, 2, 3
3:25 PM H  -2A 101 and Advanced Topics Breakout
Sessions
H-2A 101: H-2A Basics for Joint Employment,
the US Applicant Recruitment Process, and
H-2A Worker Documents - Milan 6
Betsy Parkin, Senior H-2A Program Manager,
Snake River Farmers’ Association
Jillian Hitt, Case Manager, Snake River
Farmers’ Association
Sonia Singleton, Case Manager, Snake River
Farmers’ Association
Advanced Topics: BALCA Recap - Modena
Tom Bortnyk, Vice President and General Counsel,
MAS Labor
4:20 PM H-2A 101 and Advanced Topics Breakout
Sessions
H-2A 101: Is H-2A Right for My Operation? - Milan 6
Rebecca Hause-Schultz, Of Counsel, FisherPhillips
Advanced Topics: Advanced H-2A Issues: Farming
in the Pandemic; FLC Registration Update; and
USCIS Petition Process - Modena
Chris Schulte, Partner, Smith Gambrell & Russell
Jeanne Malitz, Principal, MalitzLaw
David Singh, Director of Human Resources,
West Coast Tomato Growers
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 3
8:00 AM EEOC - Milan 6
Keith Sonderling, Commissioner, U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission
9:00 AM DOL OFLC - Milan 6
Brian Pasternak, Administrator, Office of
Foreign Labor Certification, U.S. Department
of Labor
Shane Barbour, Center Director - Chicago
National Processing Center, Office of Foreign
Labor Certification, U.S. Department of Labor
9:55 AM Break - Milan 1, 2, 3
4
10:05 AM DOL WHD - Milan 6
Whitney Ford, Director, Wage and Hour
Division, U.S. Department of Labor
Daniel Chapman, Senior Policy Advisor, Wage
and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
11:00 AM D  epartment of State/Mission Mexico/Mission
Guatemala - Milan 6
Aaron Luster, Country Coordinator for Visa
Services, U.S. Embassy Mexico City, U.S. Department of State
John Wilcock, Consul General, U.S. Department of State
12:00 PM Closing - Milan 6
Michael Lalich, President, Low Country Labor
 SPEAKER BIOS
Joel Anderson Executive Director
Snake River Farmers’ Association
Joel Anderson is the Executive Director of the Snake River Farmers’ Association (SRFA), a nationwide
non-profit organization of H-2A agricultural producers. SRFA was founded by farmers in 1985 to
specialize in the complex world of H-2A processing and program compliance.
Mr. Anderson’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration
from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver's Sturm
College of Law. He has worked in the field of immigration since 2000, and since his admission to
the Colorado Bar in 2007 he has devoted his practice exclusively to immigration law. Mr. Anderson
presents frequently on immigration topics to organizations, associations, and stakeholders around the country, including
industry associations, chambers of commerce, and civic organizations. He participates regularly in seasonal worker panel
discussions and works with US Congressional Delegates and agencies on immigration matters including agency policy,
H-2A program processes, and immigration regulation and legislation.
Mr. Anderson is currently the Treasurer on NCAE’s Executive Committee and is a member of the American Immigration
Lawyers Association, serving on AILA’s US Dept of Labor Liaison Committee.

Ryan Ayres Director of Human Resources

FirstFruits Farms
Ryan Ayres is the Director of Human Resources for FirstFruits Farms, located along the Snake
River in southeastern Washington. Ryan has served in various accounting and human resource
management positions over the past 18 years and is a graduate of Washington State University. He
currently serves on NCAE’s H-2A strategy committee and has been using the H-2A guest worker
program since 2013. Ryan serves as the Chair of NCAE’s H-2A committee.

Shane Barbour Center Director

Chicago National Processing Center, Department of Labor
Shane Barbour currently serves as the Center Director of the Chicago National Processing Center
for the Office of Foreign Labor Certification in the Employment and Training Administration. In this
capacity, Mr. Barbour is responsible for the overall operations and strategic program planning of the
temporary visa programs conducted at the Chicago National Processing Center. Mr. Barbour has
served the Department of Labor for the last 15 years.

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SPEAKER BIOS
Nigel Bocanegra Executive Director
California Farm Labor Contractor Association
Nigel Bocanegra is the Executive Director for the California Farm Labor Contractor Association
(CFLCA) in Sacramento, California. Serving in this role since the summer of 2021, he represents the
only association that focuses on ag labor issues from the perspective of farm labor contractors. Prior
to joining CFLCA, Mr. Bocanegra served as the Manager of Association Services for the National
Council of Agricultural Employers in Washington, D.C.

Tom Bortnyk Vice President and General Counsel

MAS Labor
Tom Bortnyk is the Vice President and General Counsel for másLabor, the nation’s largest provider
of comprehensive H-2A and H-2B services. He advises másLabor’s clients on regulatory compliance
issues and best practices, in addition to overseeing the company’s quality assurance program and
client service processes. Tom has a B.S. in International Affairs from Florida State University and a J.D.
from Washington & Lee University School of Law. Prior to law school, he was a project manager at a
Florida-based software development firm.

Diane Butler Partner

Davis Wright Tremaine
Diane M. Butler is a partner in the Seattle firm, Davis Wright Tremaine, where she focuses on
business immigration. Before law school, she graduated from the University of Wyoming, worked
on Capitol Hill, then worked in Shanghai for a Canadian law firm. She received her law degree from
George Washington University.  She has an active cross border practice and enjoys troubleshooting
problem cases.

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 SPEAKER BIOS
Daniel Chapman Senior Policy Advisor
Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
Daniel Chapman is a Senior Policy Advisor with the Division of Immigration, Farm Labor, and Trade
within the Office of Policy at the Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor.  The Division
develops enforcement policy and procedure for the H-2A provisions of the Immigration and
Nationality Act, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Field Sanitation
and Temporary Labor Camp standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and agriculture
under the Fair Labor Standards Act, among other areas.  The Division also develops regulations,
policy guidance, internal procedural guidance, compliance assistance materials, and training
materials, and regularly engages with other governmental agencies such as the Department of
State, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of Justice in order to fulfill its mission. 
Daniel has been with the Wage and Hour Division since 2009.

Jon DeVaney President

Washington State Tree Fruit Association
Jon DeVaney has served as the President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association since
September of 2014, when the Association was established through the merger of four existing tree
fruit industry organizations. In this capacity he oversees the Association’s industry education, data
collection and reporting, and state and local government relations activities.
Prior to this merger, he was the Executive Director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers
Association from November of 2009. Mr. DeVaney has an extensive background in agricultural
policy and politics, having previously served as a long-time staff member for former Congressman
Doc Hastings (WA-4), as Washington State Director of USDA Rural Development (2005-2009) and
on the staff of the Northwest Horticultural Council. Mr. DeVaney has a B.A. from the University of Washington and an M.A.
from Georgetown University.

Scott Dilley Communication Director

Washington State Dairy Federation
Scott Dilley is the communication director and labor policy expert for the Washington State Dairy
Federation, which represents Washington’s dairy farm families. Scott has more than 15 years
of experience in public policy and has expertise in labor and employment matters, as well as
transportation and energy issues. He previously served in government relations at Washington
Farm Bureau. Scott received a bachelor’s degree in government from Centre College and a master’s
degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Scott is a native of Oxford, Mississippi,
and now lives with his wife and children on a farm near Montesano, Washington.

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SPEAKER BIOS

Whitney Ford Director

Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
Whitney Ford is the Director of the Division of Immigration, Farm Labor, and Trade within the
Office of Policy at the Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor.  Her Division develops
enforcement policy and procedure for the H-2A provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act,
the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Field Sanitation and Temporary
Labor Camp standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and agriculture under the Fair
Labor Standards Act, among other areas.  The Division develops regulations, policy guidance,
internal procedural guidance, compliance assistance materials, and training materials, and regularly
engages with other governmental agencies such as the Department of State, United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of Justice in order to fulfill its mission.  Whitney has been with
the Wage and Hour Division since 2007.

Greg Gatzke President

ZAG Technical Services
Greg Gatzke is the President of ZAG Technical Services, an award-winning IT consulting firm and
managed services provider based in San Jose, Calif, and Salinas, Calif, and Boise, Idaho. As president,
Gatzke is responsible for guiding operations in line with the organization’s broader vision of
building a future where technology is a competitive advantage.
Gatzke founded ZAG 22 years ago, calling on his extensive experience with the aerospace
manufacturing corporation and defense contractor McDonnell Douglas and as a consultant with
the Network Technology Group. Gatzke has an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Gatzke’s background in farming in Wisconsin has contributed to shaping ZAG’s specific expertise in the agribusiness and
fresh produce sectors. ZAG consults with organizations to provide high-end architecture in areas such as cloud computing,
virtualization, and systems management, as well as a full breadth of managed services.

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 SPEAKER BIOS

Mike Gempler Executive Director

Washington Growers League
Mike Gempler is the Executive Director of the Washington Growers League in Yakima, WA. He has
held the position since 1987. The Growers League is a voluntary membership industry organization
that provides services and advocacy to its grower members on labor and employment issues,
including safety, wage and hour, labor recruitment, H-2A, labor management and legal compliance.
The League also owns and operates migrant farm employee housing in several locations in
Washington State.
Mike has served on numerous government and industry advisory committees and boards.
He is currently a member of the WA State Employment Security Advisory Committee, the ESD
Agricultural and Seasonal Workforce Services Advisory Committee, and as an active member and former President and
board member of the
National Council of Agricultural Employers. He received a BS in agriculture from the Ohio State University and an MS in
agricultural economics from the University of Wyoming and is a graduate of the Washington Agriculture and Forestry
Leadership Program.

Michael Gurguis Chief Executive Officer

Seso Labor
Michael Guirguis is Cofounder and CEO of Seso Labor, a software-enabled H-2A solution for
agribusiness. Seso helps H-2A employers maintain labor compliance, digitally onboard workers, and
much more. Michael is a Fellow at Stanford Law School, where he focuses on H-2A and technology.
Michael has spent his career working on improving labor markets including at the global consulting
firm McKinsey & Company, where he worked on setting up the world’s largest vocational training
program. Michael worked on employment policy and housing policy for the National Economic
Council in the White House and was VP of Operations and Business Development at Yup.com, a
technology-enabled labor marketplace for educators and students. Michael is an honors graduate of
Stanford University, and wrote his thesis on labor policy. Michael's family operates an organic farm in Central California.

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SPEAKER BIOS
Wendel Hall Principal
Hall Law Office, PLLC
Wendel V. Hall is the founding member of the Hall Law Office, PLLC. Founded in 2015, the Hall Law
Office assists a wide range of small and seasonal businesses, including forestry services companies
and landscapers, with their labor and employment and immigration legal issues. Mr. Hall represents
small and seasonal businesses and their owners as well as non-profit industry associations before
federal courts throughout the nation and before the Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative
Law Judges. He also helps businesses protect themselves during Wage and Hour investigations
and helps negotiate resolutions of issues with the Wage and Hour Division. Kinds of matters include
H-2A/H-2B compliance, debarment defense, minimum wage/overtime issues, MSPA defense,
and employment discrimination complaints and defense. Mr. Hall also audits HR practices and systems, advises on legal
compliance, prepares employment, compensation, and severance agreements for senior executives and professionals.
A nationally-known speaker, Mr. Hall has presented on employment law to national audiences such as the Practicing Law
Institute, National Council of Agricultural Employers, Northeast Dairy Producers Association, the International Municipal
Lawyers Association, and numerous other organizations. In addition, Mr. Hall authored several editions of the D.C. Bar’s
practice manual’s section on employment discrimination law in the District of Columbia.

Luawanna Hallstrom Certified Story Facilitator

Collaborative Communications
Luawanna Hallstrom has been a leading voice of California agriculture for more than 30 years.
Luawanna currently serves as vice chair for U.C Agriculture & Natural Resources President's Advisory
Commission and as an advisor to the Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental
Sciences Dean. She is a Certified Story Facilitator and Collaborative Communications Consultant
sharing original stories, providing insights into the industry of Agriculture, building bridges and
developing relationships.
Luawanna previously served as Chief Operating Officer of her family's 3rd generation farm, Harry
Singh & Sons, and Business Development Manager for the family's produce marketing company, Oceanside Produce Inc.
Under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, she spearheaded the California Agriculture Ag Vision process, entailing statewide
hearings and input from major stakeholder groups. Having served in business, government and nonprofit sectors,
Luawanna brings strategic insight and expertise to promote sustainable agriculture and improve the lives of farm workers,
their families and communities.
She previously served as national co-chair for the Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform, board member of the
California Farm Bureau, Western Growers Association and as President of NCAE. She has been a guest speaker for several
groups including C-Span, the University of San Diego, United Public Policy Convention, Produce Marketing, Institute of the
Americas, National State Employment Departments, California Ag Leadership, Women's International Center and testified
before Congress.
Recognized both statewide and nationally, Luawanna has been the recipient of the San Diego Farm Bureau Farmer of the
Year Award; Women's International Living Legacy Award; and the Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction Award.

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 SPEAKER BIOS
Rebecca Hause-Schultz Of Counsel
FisherPhillips LLP
A native of rural Calaveras County and a Future Farmers of America alumna, Rebecca Hause-Shultz
draws on her deep roots in agriculture to defend farmers, food processors, manufacturers, and ag-
tech businesses in employment litigation lawsuits and help avoid disputes. Rebecca litigates cases
in federal and state courts, as well as state administrative agencies including the Division of Labor
Standards Enforcement (DLSE) and Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH), with a focus
on wage and hour class actions and California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims.
A key part of her practice involves teaming with clients to foresee potential concerns, institute best
practices, and ensure compliance.
Before joining Fisher Phillips, Rebecca was a litigator at a labor and employment law firm in Sacramento.

Alexandra Hill Tinoco Minister

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, El Salvador
The Chancellor of the Republic was sworn in as Minister of Foreign Affairs on June 1, 2019, by
President Nayib Bukele.
She is a citizen committed to the transformation of El Salvador, with extensive experience in public
administration, working with government institutions, civil society and universities.
As a result-oriented professional, she has spearheaded public policy initiatives and program
execution in the areas of socioeconomic development, drug and violence prevention, mental
health, and reintegration of vulnerable youth in the Western Hemisphere, with special emphasis on
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Chancellor Hill has worked with the Organization of American States (OAS), the Office of National Drug Control Policy
(ONDCP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other international
agencies.
She has an extensive knowledge of multilateral work, analysis, generation and implementation of public policies, inter-
institutional cooperation, consensus building, strategic planning skills, training and implementation of programmatic
initiatives, monitoring and evaluation.
Chancellor Hill has a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University, and she did her postgraduate studies in Public Health Policy at
the John Hopkins University School of Public Health.

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SPEAKER BIOS
Jillian Hitt Case Manager
Snake River Farmers Association
Jillian Hitt is a Case Manager at Snake River Farmers Association. An Idaho native, Jillian enjoys
assisting SRFA Members in Idaho's Western Region through the H-2A filing process.

Lynn Jacquez Managing Partner and Principal

CJ Lake
Lynn Jacquez’s professional background spans private law practice, government relations, and
service in the Federal government. Upon graduation from the University of Notre Dame School of
Law, she came to Capitol Hill to serve as counsel for the House Judiciary Committee. In her work for
its Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and International Law, she had primary responsibility
for the drafting and processing of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) and
refugee reauthorization legislation. After her tenure on the Committee, Ms. Jacquez entered private
practice with Heron, Burchette, Ruckert & Rothwell, and later with McAuliffe, Kelly & Raffaelli.
In 1992, she helped form the government relations firm which became CJ Strategies in 2006 and CJ
Lake in 2011. In 2021 she established the law firm of JPH Law, LLC. She serves as Managing Partner and Principal at CJ Lake
and as Of Counsel to JPH Law.
In her legal practice, Ms. Jacquez represents employers in individual and class action litigation involving MSPA, wage and
labor and immigration law. She counsels employer clients on statutory and regulatory compliance with employment
laws including I-9 compliance and temporary foreign worker visa program compliance. She represents organizations
seeking regulatory and legislative reform to address workforce issues and is actively engaged on behalf of employers in
developing immigration program reform legislation. Ms. Jacquez also represents organizations working to develop policy
on sustainable agriculture, resiliency and sustainable goods movement.
Ms. Jacquez is a member of the District of Columbia Bar.

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 SPEAKER BIOS
Adam Kantrovich, Ph.D. Extension Specialist of Agribusiness
Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Dr. Adam J. Kantrovich received his B.S. and M.S. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, a
Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. Dr. Kantrovich has experience working in the commodity markets at the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange, with the USDA-APHIS and has been in higher education for over
25 years. He currently is an Extension Specialist of Agribusiness, the Director of the Clemson Univer-
sity Extension Income Tax School, and Asst. Director of the Clemson Extension Agribusiness Team.
Dr. Kantrovich specializes in Farm Management related topic areas including Financial Analysis,
Succession & Transition planning, Tax Management, The Affordable Care Act, labor and ag policy
related issues, Farm Stress and Mental Health.

Michael Lalich President

Low Country Labor
Michael Lalich is the President of Low Country Labor, a growing H-2A and B agency located in
Charleston, SC. Michael is a longtime, active NCAE Member. Prior to starting Low Country Labor
Company in 2004, Michael majored in Language and International Trade at Clemson University. Besides
being an active NCAE Member, Michael is also involved with the South Carolina Ag Labor Advisory
Board and the Language and International Trade Advisory Board at Clemson. Michael is continually
engaged with all levels of government officials from the DOL, OFLC, USCIS, and DOS advocating on
behalf of agricultural employers. He resides in Charleston, SC with his wife and two children.

C. Bryan Little Chief Operations Officer

Farm Employers Labor Service
As FELS COO, C. Bryan Little, a labor-affairs specialist with extensive experience in both government
and agriculture is the Chief Operating Officer of Farm Employers Labor Service. Bryan also serves as
director of labor affairs for California Farm Bureau Federation, representing members on legislative,
congressional and regulatory issues involving immigration and labor policy.
Bryan previously served with the U.S. Department of Labor as deputy assistant secretary for
occupational safety and health. Named by Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety
and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., Little was selected to be the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) on October 1, 2006.
Immediately prior to this position, Little served for more than four years as a Senior Legislative Officer with the
Department’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. In that capacity, Little managed Congressional
contacts pertaining to the activities of OSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and immigration-related issues
pertaining to the Department. Prior to his service with Bryan worked in the Washington office of the American Farm Bureau
Federation, where he worked for six years as Senior Director for Government Relations.
Bryan is a 1986 graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Public
Administration and Political Science. Bryan resides in Fair Oaks, California with his wife and four children.

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SPEAKER BIOS
Aaron Luster Country Coordinator for Visa Services
U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Aaron Luster is the Country Coordinator for Visa Services at the United States Embassy in Mexico
City, where he coordinates the visa policy and procedures for the 10 visa-issuing posts across
Mission Mexico. Before coming to Mexico City, Aaron served as the Director of the Kentucky
Consular Center.
Aaron previously served as the Visa Chief in Monterrey, Mexico from 2017-2019. He has also
served in Poland, Washington DC, Slovenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Before joining the State Department,
Aaron was a Peace Corps Volunteer and taught English in Poland and Slovakia. Aaron was
born and raised in the state of Arkansas.

Jeanne Malitz Principal

MalitzLaw, Inc.
Jeanne M. Malitz is the principal of MalitzLaw, Inc., a boutique law firm specializing in employment-
based immigration matters. MalitzLaw, Inc. has a national presence representing employers on a
wide variety of immigration-related matters with an emphasis on permanent labor certification and
temporary labor certification for agricultural employers. Her practice also includes counseling on
employment verification including E-Verify and I-9-related issues. Ms. Malitz actively participates
in advocacy for immigration reform through national committee work on behalf of the American
Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA) and the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE).
She served as a member of AILA’s national Department of Labor Committee for 14 years. Ms. Malitz also chaired the H-2A
Committee for the NCAE. She frequently presents and writes on immigration-related topics.
Ms. Malitz received her B.A. degree from the University of San Diego (Magna Cum Laude, 1985) and her J.D. degree from the
Boston University School of Law (1990). She was employed by several national and international law firms including: Gray
Cary Ames & Frye and Morrison & Foerster. Ms. Malitz and has been nominated as a San Diego “Top Lawyer” for the years
2013 to the present.

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 SPEAKER BIOS
Michael Marsh President & CEO
National Council of Agricultural Employers
Michael earned bachelor’s degrees in history and accounting from the University of Wyoming
where he also studied law. He is a certified public accountant.
Although Michael started his career in public accounting in Casper, Wyoming working for a CPA
firm that had many farm and ranch clients, his career changed dramatically when he began
to focus in the areas of forensic accounting and fraud investigation. In fact, it was a fraud he
uncovered at the National Potato Promotion Board in Denver that ended up tying him inextricably
to agriculture. He was subsequently hired to be the Director of Finance for the Almond Board of
California and later became the CEO of the largest dairy producer trade association in the US at Western United Dairymen
in Modesto. After consulting for a few years in the areas of litigation support and complex financial transactions in Federal
District Court, Michael returned to his true passion advocating on behalf of America’s farmers and ranchers at NCAE.

Phil Martin Professor Emeritus of Agricultural and Resource Economics

University of California at Davis
Philip Martin is Professor Emeritus of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University
of California at Davis whose research focuses on international labor migration, farm labor, and
economic development. Martin has earned a reputation as an effective analyst who can develop
practical solutions to complex and controversial migration and labor issues. He served on the
Commission on Agricultural Workers to assess the effects of the Immigration Reform and Control
Act of 1986 and evaluated the prospects for Turkish migration to European Union between 1987
and 1990, the effects of immigration on Malaysia’s economy and labor markets in 1994-95, and was
a member of the Binational Study of Migration between 1995 and 1997.

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SPEAKER BIOS
Fred Martinez Assistant Vice President of Business Development
Zenith Insurance Company
Fred Martinez is an Assistant Vice President of Business Development for Zenith Insurance
Company for California’s Central Coast region. He has worked in the workers’ compensation
insurance industry for over 20 years. Throughout that time he has worked in claims as an
investigator, examiner, and customer service manager. He consults with clients and insurance
agencies on implementing best practices for claims while managing a marketing territory from the
Bay Area to Santa Maria. He has a bachelor’s degree in Economics, an MBA and is an AFIS designee.

Zavia T. Mayne, LLB, BSc Minister

Ministry of State, Jamaica
Minister Zavia T. Mayne was first appointed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour & Social
Security since March 26, 2018. Minister Mayne’s main focus, is to oversee the transformation and
modernisation of the Ministry’s social protection programmes.
Minister Mayne has been described as a visionary and compassionate leader by members of his
South West St Ann Constituency; as he works diligently to enhance their socio-economic reality,
by providing greater access to education especially during this online age, creation and access to
employment opportunities and general improvements in the standard of living.
He is a graduate of the University of London, where he read for a Bachelor of Law Degree and thereafter went on to obtain
his Certificate in Legal Education at the Norman Manley Law School in 2008. Minister Mayne is also the holder of a Bachelor
of Science Degree in Pure, and Food Chemistry.
He has occupied a multiplicity of posts in both the private and public sector serving on bodies such as The Trade Board,
Jamaica Racing Commission and Factories Corporation of Jamaica Ltd, to name a few.
He is a firm believer in charity, and self-improvement and believes that the best and truest form of happiness is that
attained through the improvement and advancement of all!

16
 SPEAKER BIOS
Jess McCluer Vice President of Safety and Regulatory Affairs
National Grain and Feed Association
Jess McCluer, Vice President, Safety and Regulatory Affairs with the National Grain and Feed
Association is responsible for directing and managing the NGFA’s wide-ranging operations
programs for grain elevators, feed mills and grain processing plants. This includes NGFA’s activities
regarding employee safety and industrial health, environmental issues, grain-handling facility
design and equipment, grain inspection and weighing issues, grain and feed quality, biotechnology
and agroterrorism/facility security related issues.
Jess also serves as chair on the Board of Directors for the Agricultural Safety and Health Council
of America (ASHCA) and is co-chair of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) National
Occupational Research Agenda Sector Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing. The Journal of Agromedicine selected
Jess as its 2021 “Leader in the Field.” The annual award is for those who have made significant contributions in agricultural
safety and health practice, policy, and research.
Prior to joining NGFA in 2007, Mr. McCluer was a program analyst at OSHA’s Office of Outreach Services and Alliances.
Jess is a native Texan who received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, and his Masters of Arts from the
George Washington University.

Stan Moore Educator

Michigan State University Extension
Stan Moore is a field-based Educator with Michigan State University, and has been with the
university for over 30 years. Stan received both his BS and MS degrees from Michigan State
University. Stan works in the area of Farm Business Management. Stan works with farmers in a
24-county area of the northern lower peninsula and the eastern UP. Stan also is responsible for
agricultural human resource management education for Michigan. Stan has worked with Phil Durst
on a number of employee management research and educational programs in the state, resulting
in two papers in the Journal of Dairy Science, and a section in the Large Herd Dairy Management,
3rd edition (2017). Stan has spoken on employee management related topics in several states as well as in Israel and
Ukraine. He is responsible for developing and facilitating labor sessions at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market
Expo in Grand Rapids each year, and maintains a page on MSU’s Farm Business web site featuring employer resources. Stan
also spearheaded the development of Farm Employee University, an on-line training program for dairy farm employees.
Stan has been recognized with the MSU Distinguished Academic Staff Award, the John Hannah Award for Extension
Program Excellence, and with the Outstanding Alumni Award from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

17
SPEAKER BIOS
Stefanie Moshier Vice President Customer Service
Zenith Insurance Company
Stefanie Moshier currently oversees the Customer Service team at Zenith Insurance Company in
Fresno. Stefanie and her team are responsible for managing customer relationships which includes
providing education and support to her customers around workers’ compensation claims issues. She
enjoys being on the customer facing side of the business where she can best utilize her interpersonal
skills and help customers develop and refine their workers’ compensation programs.
Stefanie’s professional background and passion is in Claims, and prior to her current role, Stefanie
spent several years as the Claims Manager for Zenith in their Fresno Branch. Stefanie has worked in
the insurance industry for 28 years and recently celebrated her 20 year anniversary with Zenith.
Being a lifelong sports enthusiast, Stefanie enjoys watching and playing most sports activities. Over the last couple of years
she has taken the game of golf more seriously and spends many weekends on the course trying to improve her game.
Stefanie also values personal relationships and makes spending quality time with her family and friends a priority in her life.

Shawn Packer Principal

JPH Law
Shawn M. Packer is the Principal member of JPH Law, a D.C. based firm focusing on the needs of
employers dealing with programs and investigations administered by the Federal government. Mr.
Packer comes to JPH after serving for 8 years in several roles within the Federal government. Mr.
Packer worked in the Office of the Solicitor at the Department of Labor as an Attorney-Advisor to
the Solicitor. During his time in the Office of Solicitor, Mr. Packer worked on a variety of legal issues
but specifically focused on the immigration programs administered by the Department, to include
Wage and Hour investigations in the H visa programs and working with the Office of Foreign Labor
Certification on the development and issuance of new forms, regulations, and technology platforms.
In 2018, Mr. Packer took on the role of Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary of the Employment and Training
Administration at the Department of Labor. In this role, Mr. Packer advised the Department and Assistant Secretary on all
policy issues regarding the Department’s foreign labor certification programs, including interactions with stakeholders and
congressional offices, developing regulations, and negotiating multinational labor relations agreements with the Northern
Triangle countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Prior to Mr. Packer's time at the Department of Labor, he served as Special Assistant to a Board Member of the National
Mediation Board, a Federal labor relations agency handling collective bargaining agreements and labor disputes between
railroads, airlines, and their employees.

SHRM Certification
• NCAE is proud to announce that we are offering Professional Development Credits
for the Society For Human Resource Management for participation at this year’s
Ag Employer Labor Forum.
• Please see Susan Lester, Manager of Association Services at NCAE,
(susan@ncaeonline.org) to ensure you receive Activity IDs after attending
the conference.

18
 SPEAKER BIOS
Betsy Parkin Senior H-2A Program Manager
Snake River Farmers' Association
Betsy is the Senior H-2A Program Manager for Snake River Farmers' Association and has worked in
the H-2A industry for over 13 years. She is a lifelong resident of Rupert, Idaho and grew up on the
family farms owned by her father and grandfather.

Her Husband Kenny also grew up on a multi-generational farm, and together they operated their
own farm for over 20 years. Betsy and her husband have two lovely daughters and five spoiled
grandchildren.

Sylvia Partida Chief Executive Officer

National Center for Farmworker Health
Sylvia Partida is the Chief Executive Officer for the National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH). She
provides oversight to all programs within NCFH and works closely with the network of community
and migrant health centers across the country to insure access to quality health care services for
the agricultural worker population. She has a broad range of experiences in education, psychology,
research and evaluation. For the last twenty-five years, she has been involved with the development,
implementation and evaluation of community health programs targeting diverse populations
including at-risk adolescents, indigent populations and agricultural workers. Ms. Partida serves as
an advisory member for the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, and the Ventanillas de Salud, a
program of the Mexican Consulate system, and is an active member of the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition. She has partnered
with several organizations to advance the mission of NCFH including CDC, HRSA, HIV/AIDS Bureau, the Office of Minority
Health, EPA, NIOSH, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and SAMHSA, as well as state and local entities.

19
SPEAKER BIOS
Brian D. Pasternak Administrator
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, U.S. Department of Labor
Brian Pasternak serves as the Administrator for the Office of Foreign Labor Certification in the
Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor. In this capacity, Mr. Pasternak
provides executive leadership, management, and strategic direction over the operations of
prevailing wage, permanent and temporary visa programs administered by the Department of
Labor. He also advises the Assistant Secretary and Office of the Secretary on legislative, regulatory,
and policy issues affecting the organization and administration of employment-based immigration
programs. Mr. Pasternak has served in numerous senior management positions at the Department
of Labor for the last 17 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of
North Carolina at Wilmington, and a Master of Public Policy degree from the College of William & Mary.

Cathryn Pine Vice President and Director of Operations

Zenith Insurance Company
Cathryn Pine graduated from U.C.L.A. as a Political Science major and obtained her Juris Doctorate
at Southwestern University School of Law. After passing the California bar exam, she has worked in
the private sector exclusively as a defense attorney specializing in the field of Worker’s Compensation
since 1990. Cathryn joined Zenith Insurance Company in 1999 and currently holds the position of
Vice President and Director of Operations for the California Claims Legal department at Zenith with
direct oversight of their 6 California offices and its legal employees. Cathryn provides informative and
educational training for insureds, claims partners and attorneys throughout California.

20
 Craig Regelbrugge Senior Vice President
AmericanHort
Craig Regelbrugge serves as AmericanHort’s senior vice president, where he is responsible for
industry advocacy and research programs. AmericanHort is the national trade organization
representing the horticulture industry, including nursery and greenhouse growing, garden retail,
landscape design and installation, and suppliers.
Regelbrugge serves in national leadership positions representing the horticulture industry on
matters relating to the labor force, plant health, and trade. He co-chairs the Agriculture Coalition
for Immigration Reform, a broad-based coalition seeking legislation to ensure a stable and legal
agricultural workforce. He also chairs NCAE’s Immigration Committee. Craig is a longtime friend of NCAE and a WORKHORSE
on Immigration.

Jason Resnick Vice President and General Counsel

Western Growers
Jason Resnick joined Western Growers in 2003 as a staff attorney. Today as Vice President and
General Counsel, he has responsibility for overseeing the organization’s legal affairs and serves as
Western Growers’ corporate secretary. As a member of the Western Growers’ executive team, Jason
provides advice and counsel on various legal, business and policy matters. Jason also manages
Western Growers H-2A Services, which serves as a full-service H-2A agent exclusively for Western
Growers members.
Jason is a frequent speaker and magazine contributor on employment law and ag labor issues. He
serves as vice president on the board of directors for the Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA), is on the
board of iFoodDecisionSciences, and is a past co-chair of the Agribusiness Committee of the State Bar of California.
Jason received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine and his JD from the University of the Pacific,
McGeorge School of Law.

21
SPEAKER BIOS
Alfonso Rodriguez-Lainz Epidemiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Rodriguez-Lainz is an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, US-Mexico Unit. Dr. Rodriguez-Lainz’s main
responsibilities include acting as a liaison, planner, and coordinator for Latino migrant health
activities for the Division, in collaboration with other federal, state, and international partners.
Main areas of focus have been assessing health disparities, enhancing public health surveillance,
and emergency communication with Latino migrants and non-English speaking populations.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Dr. Rodriguez Lainz has led CDC initiatives to protect
agricultural workers and communities, and he is the technical monitor for a CDC-funded project
with the National Center for Farmworker Health. Dr. Rodriguez-Lainz received his Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Masters in
Preventive Veterinary Medicine from the University of California at Davis, and his DVM degree from the School of Veterinary
Medicine in Cordoba, Spain. He has coauthored many peer-reviewed publications and reports on border and Latino
migrant health issues.

Geovanna Salazar Ortiz Vice Minister

Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Guatemala
Geovanna Salazar gained a bachelor’s degree in Legal and Social Sciences, from Rafael Landivar
University in Guatemala City and a specialization in Financial, Commercial and International
Contracts from the University of Castille in Spain.
Ms. Salazar has been a legal advisor for the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and for the Ministry
of Governance, specifically for the Community Violence Prevention Unit. Ms. Salazar has also been a
trainer on substantive issues for the Secretariat Against Sexual Violence, Exploitation and Trafficking
(SVET in Spanish).
Ms. Salazar is currently the Vice Minister of Social Welfare and Employment at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.

22
 SPEAKER BIOS
Michael C. Saqui Senior Counsel
FisherPhillips
Michael Saqui’s highly successful track record spanning almost three decades makes him a
powerful partner to the clients he represents in all aspects of employer-employee relations.
Michael has fought and prevailed against many of the biggest and best financed labor
organizations in the U.S. He has managed over 100 union avoidance campaigns in dozens of states,
resulting in maintenance of union-free status. He has successfully tried hundreds of grievances and
arbitrations involving just cause discipline, seniority, technological advances impacting bargaining
units, and other contract interpretation issues. Michael represents clients before the NLRB and
other federal and state agencies and courts. He has also formulated and implemented preventive
labor relations programs, trainings, procedures and union avoidance protocols for employers of all sizes and from virtually
all industries.
Michael is one of the most sought after public speakers in California on labor and employment matters, and does extensive
public speaking including seminars and in-house training, to counsel employers in developing proactive approaches to
address employment and labor relations matters. He has also written numerous trend reports and management guides
that help clients understand the legal climate and build strategies to undo vulnerabilities, enhance labor relations and
manage crises when they arise.

Steve Scaroni President and Founder

Scaroni Family of Companies
The Scaroni Family has been involved in American agriculture since the early 1900's when the
1st generation Scaronis migrated to California from Switzerland.
President and Founder Steve Scaroni, (3rd generation) has worked in agriculture from a young age,
just like his father and grandfather before him. Steve and his wife Brenda's work ethic and drive for
success allowed them to create their own harvest and packing company in 1983.
In 1983 and 1986 Matt and David Scaroni were born. They were raised living in an RV and chasing
their dad Steve through the various harvest areas they worked in. At the end of their college
education, they joined the Family business in the mid 2000’s. Today, USA Customer Service and
Production are handled by Matt, while Logistics and Supply Chain are handled by David. Brenda coordinates all non-profit
community support efforts, most notably involved in foster care support and Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation.
In early 2000, Steve and customer Fresh Express developed the Core Field Harvest (CIF) process, which is now an industry
standard for iceberg and romaine salads.
Today the Scaroni Family of Companies from farming, labor, harvesting and logistics support, our customer service touches
25% of every salad eaten in America. They are the largest full service H2A user and provider in the USA. With his sons and
Mgt team’s excellent management in the United States, Steve focuses on developing and stabilizing the Mexico farming
division.
Scaroni Family of Companies are serving agriculture with H2A, domestic labor, harvesting, logistics and seed to customer
delivery farming in the USA and Mexico. Their geographical reach extends from California, to Mexico, to Texas, to Florida
and points in between.

23
SPEAKER BIOS
Chris Schulte Partner
Smith, Gambrell, & Russell, LLP
As a partner in SGR’s Litigation Practice, Mr. Schulte advises and litigates on behalf of employers and
employer associations with respect to employment and business immigration matters, including
wage and hour, H-2A and H-2B non-immigrant worker program compliance matters. Additionally,
he works on public policy issues involving Congress and Federal agencies related to immigration,
agriculture, insurance, clean energy, health care, environment, and transportation. Mr. Schulte is a
member of the District of Columbia, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire bars and has
been admitted to practice before federal district and appellate courts throughout the U.S.

David Singh Director of Human Resources

West Coast Tomato Growers, Inc.
H David Singh, a third generation farmer, began working for the family farm in 1991. The Singh
family established its major Agri business in San Diego County in 1939. David is the Director of
Human Resources for West Coast Tomato Growers, Inc., which is one of the largest producers of
vine ripe tomatoes in the US. The Singh family was the first large scale user and pioneer of the H-2A
program in California. David's responsibilities include overseeing and coordinating all HR functions.
These include benefits, compensation, health and safety, workers’ compensation, labor law
compliance, labor management, housing, including food service, and transportation. For the last
20 years David has administered the H2A program developing a strong expertise in every aspect of
the program both in the US and Mexico.

24
 SPEAKER BIOS
Sonia Singleton Case Manager
Snake River Farmers’ Association
Growing up in Idaho driving harvest trucks for the family business, Sonia’s roots in agriculture
run deep. A first-generation American, Sonia loves helping foreign nationals and she’s a critical
member of the SRFA family. When she’s not behind the wheel or helping H-2A producers across
the West and in the great State of Texas, you can find Sonia enjoying time with her family.

Keith Sonderling Commissioner

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Keith E. Sonderling was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 22, 2020, to be a Commissioner
on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In this capacity, he is responsible for
enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination against job applicants and employees because
of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. Commissioner
Sonderling previously served as the Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour
Division at the U.S. Department of Labor. Prior to that, Commissioner Sonderling was a partner at
the Gunster Law Firm in Florida, where he practiced labor and employment law.

25
SPEAKER BIOS
Ashli Sturgill Safety & Health Service Specialist
Zenith Insurance Company
Ashli Sturgill is a Safety & Health Service Specialist with Zenith Insurance Company. With over
25 years of experience, Ashli has held positions of varying capacities, primarily in the agricultural
industry. Prior to coming to Zenith, she was the Safety Manager for a large berry grower. Ashli holds
a Bachelor and Master of Science in Occupational Safety & Health. She is a Board Certified Safety
Professional and holds an Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist certification and a certificate
in Agricultural Human Resources Management. Currently Ashli serves as the President for the San
Jose Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

John Wilcock Consul General

U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, U.S. Department of State
John Wilcock joined the U.S. Department of State in 2003 and is a career member of the Foreign
Service. He currently serves as Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City.
John’s previous overseas assignments include Amsterdam, Netherlands; Baghdad, Iraq; Manila,
Philippines; and Brasília, Brazil. In Washington he has served in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and the office of the Secretary of State.
John is a graduate of the University of Reading, in the United Kingdom. He speaks Spanish and
Portuguese.

Kara Youngblood Principal

Youngblood & Associates, PLLC
Kara L. Youngblood is the owner and founding attorney of Youngblood & Associates. She is a native
of Morrison, Tennessee and grew up on a family-owned nursery and cow-calf farm, giving her a
deep understanding of the relationship between the agricultural business and its labor force, and
the extent to which legalized immigrant workers help local economies and individual livelihoods.
Kara has a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics with a Business Administration minor from
Middle Tennessee State University and a law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C.
Humphreys School of Law. Kara has worked in real estate law and federal regulatory compliance
and has taught undergraduate law courses at MTSU.
Kara’s passion for immigration law is based on an appreciation of the cultural diversity of rural America and the true
economic necessity of a vital immigrant workforce. As such, she has developed a centered approach to her practice that
incorporates these factors in her dedication to the law.

26
 Shayle Adams Andi Webber
President Vice-President
Moapa Valley FFA Chapter Moapa Valley FFA Chapter

Special thanks to:

Low Country Labor Agricultural Safety & Health Council of America
AmericanHort Clemson University
University of California, Davis Michigan State University
CJ Lake LLC Davis Wright Tremaine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Washington State Dairy Federation
Government of Jamaica Hall Law Firm
Zag Technical Services Youngblood & Associates
FirstFruits Farms Smith Gambrell and Russell
JPH Law MalitzLaw
Washington Grower's League West Coast Tomato Growers
Washington State Tree Fruit Association U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Collaborative Communications U.S. Department of Labor
California Farm Labor Contractors Association U.S. Department of State

25
 Are You Interested in the H-2A Program?
NCAE has an established committee devoted to the needs of everyone involved with the
H-2A program: growers, agents, attorneys, associations, etc. Participation in the committee allows
members to keep informed of legislative and regulatory changes related to the H-2A visa program.
Our weekly call is hosted by the chair of the committee
Ryan Ayres (Ryana@firstfruits.com). Feel free to
contact Ryan to discuss if this member benefit is
of value to your organization!

26
NCAE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
If you are not a member of NCAE, Join Today on our website (ncaeonline.org/join)!!
Use the Discount code LV2021 until March 1, 2022 and NCAE will send you a $50 Visa Gift Card to thank you for
engaging on critical labor issues with our organization and our membership in 2022.
Are you already a member? Encourage someone to join – if they list you as a sponsor and use the Discount
Code LV2021, you both will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card for your commitment to NCAE! Again, this offer is good
until March 1, 2022.

OVERVIEW OF NCAE MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

LEADER - $15,000/ calendar year
Membership level for leaders in the industry who are interested in being integral participants in
setting and executing NCAE and national policy for agricultural employers.

PATRON - $7,000/ calendar year

Appropriate participation level for national and large state/regional associations, growers and other
employers with over 150 seasonal employees, labor brokers/providers, national/regional/large state-
wide commercial sponsors, and others with high interest and ability to offer major industry support.

BENEFACTOR - $3,850/ calendar year

Appropriate Membership level for medium size growers/employers and local/partial state suppliers
and sponsors.

SUPPORTER - $1,825/ calendar year

Minimum level for state and national associations to receive Subscriber benefits. H-2A agents and
employers should consider this the base dues level.

SUBSCRIBER - $600/ calendar year

Membership level for small growers/employers with less than 15-20 seasonal employees or
associations with less than $250,000/yr. revenue.

All NCAE Membership Levels Receive:

• Weekly News Briefs with federal legislative and regulatory updates critical to agricultural employers.
•N
 CAE Action Calls inform members about upcoming issues, facilitate contact with elected
representatives, before unworkable laws or regulations are imposed.
•N
 CAE Alert Memos immediately apprise members of new laws and regulations and their
impact on agricultural employers.

JOIN
US
If you have questions, email Susan (Susan@NCAEOnline.org)
or call the NCAE office 202-629-9320.
TODAY!
27
 NCAE 2022 ANNUAL MEETING
Save the date for NCAE’s Annual Meeting
in DC – February 8-10, 2022
At NCAE’s 58th Annual Meeting, Tuesday February 8th will be filled with
political speakers and NCAE Membership Meetings. On Wednesday the
9th, you will have the opportunity to join NCAE members on the Hill
to discuss the issues affecting the ag employer community with your
Representatives and Senators. Thursday the 10th is an optional session
solely dedicated to the H-2A program.

Agendas and Registration will be available in the coming

weeks at ncaeonline.org/events/ncae-annual-meeting/.
If you have any interest in sponsoring the Annual Meeting or if you have
any questions, please contact Susan@NCAEOnline.org.

V e g a s
NCAE
2022 AG LABOR FORUM
NOV 30-DEC 2
Plan to join us in 2022 for another opportunity to learn from leaders in the ag indus-
try including growers, labor lawyers, agents, HR professionals, and others whose
expertise will be shared throughout this technical forum.

28 Save the date, tell your network,

and meet us back in Las Vegas next year!
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