The California Farm Water Coalition announced the selection of Michelle Paul as its next executive director. Paul will replace Mike Wade, who is retiring in February 2026 from the position he has held since 1998.

Paul — a Fresno State and Smittcamp Family Honors College alumna — was selected following a comprehensive statewide search led by the Coalition’s executive director selection committee, which considered a strong and diverse field of candidates from across California, according to a News release. She will join the Coalition in mid-January and assume full responsibilities in March.

“We were fortunate to meet with a number of exceptional individuals who demonstrated a deep commitment to California agriculture and the vital role water plays in keeping our food system strong,” said Greg Johnson, president of the California Farm Water Coalition. “We are grateful to each of the highly qualified candidates who applied. Their expertise, passion, and vision were inspiring.”

The Sacramento-based California Farm Water Coalition was formed in 1989 in the midst of a six-year drought to increase public awareness of agriculture’s efficient use of water and promote the industry’s environmental sensitivity regarding water, according to the website. 

Johnson continued: “Michelle brings nearly two decades of experience working alongside farmers and ranchers to elevate their voices in state and federal policy conversations. Her understanding of California’s agricultural landscape — paired with her strategic communications and outreach background—makes her well-positioned to lead the Coalition into its next chapter.”

Paul is an advocate for agriculture with experience in marketing, communications and public affairs, according to the release. She has spent the bulk of her career amplifying the voices of California farmers and ranchers, both in Washington D.C. and Sacramento. She currently serves as vice president of marketing and outreach at AgWest Farm Credit, where she leads initiatives to bridge the gap between rural communities and the people that govern them. She has launched outreach programs to connect young, beginning and small producers with vital resources, and helped elevate AgWest as a trusted resource for agricultural policy, according to the release.

“I am honored to join the California Farm Water Coalition and to support the farmers, ranchers, and water managers who work every day to feed our communities,” Paul said in a statement. “California agriculture is resilient, innovative, and deeply rooted in stewardship of the land and water. I look forward to working collaboratively to strengthen understanding and build relationships that help ensure a secure agricultural future for California.”

She also currently serves on the boards of the California Agricultural Council and the Center for Land-Based Learning. She is a member of Class 53 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, holds a master’s degree in international affairs from CSU, Sacramento, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Fresno State. Her career has included roles from legislative analyst at the state Capitol to hands-on marketing and advocacy at the federal level.

“Michelle understands that California agriculture thrives when farmers, ranchers, water providers, and policymakers work together with mutual respect,” Johnson said. “She has demonstrated throughout her career that she is skilled at building those bridges.”

When not work, Paul enjoys exploring California’s natural landscapes with her family and playing with her goldendoodle.