Michelle Paul Selected as New CFWC Executive Director

The California Farm Water Coalition is pleased to announce the selection of Michelle Paul as its next executive director. Ms. Paul will replace Mike Wade, who is retiring in February from his role as the Coalition’s executive director, a position he has held since 1998.

Ms. Paul 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. She will join the Coalition in mid-January and assume full responsibilities on March 1.

“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.”

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.”

“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,” said Michelle Paul. “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.”

Michelle Paul is a passionate advocate for agriculture with nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, communications and public affairs. She has spent the bulk of her career dedicated to amplifying the voices of California’s farmers and ranchers, both in Washington DC and in her home state of California. 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.

Paul’s commitment to agriculture extends beyond her professional work. She currently serves on the boards of the California Agricultural Council and the Center for Land-Based Learning. She is a proud 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 CSU Fresno. Her career has included roles from legislative analyst at the State Capitol to hands-on marketing and advocacy at the federal level, reflecting a broad perspective and unwavering dedication to supporting the people who grow our food.

“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.”

Paul envisions a California where agriculture is valued as a vital function in every community—rural and urban alike. She believes in a future where the innovation, water stewardship, and resilience of farmers and ranchers are recognized and celebrated, inspiring others and shaping policy that reflects the realities of those who care for the land.

When she is not working to advance the agriculture industry, Michelle enjoys exploring California’s natural landscapes with her family and playing with her goldendoodle.