Farm Supply Company names new CEO
Michael Mendes.
Company operates locations in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, and Buellton
– Farm Supply Company has appointed Michael Mendes as its new chief executive officer, effective April 8. Mendes succeeds Cara Wright, who served as chief executive officer for seven years and spent nearly 30 years with the cooperative.
Mendes, a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, brings experience from the food and agriculture industries. He grew up on a family farm in California’s Central Valley and participated in the Future Farmers of America program.
Before joining Farm Supply Company, Mendes served as chief executive officer of Just Desserts, a bakery based in San Francisco, where he expanded the company’s national presence. He also previously led Diamond Foods, where he launched the Emerald snack line and oversaw the acquisitions of Pop Secret and Kettle Chips.
“It has been an honor to serve as CEO of Farm Supply Company,” Wright said. “I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished together. As I step away, I have full confidence that Michael will continue to uphold our values and lead the cooperative toward a bright future.”
Chris Darway, chair of the board of directors, said, “After a comprehensive search process, we are thrilled to welcome Michael Mendes as our new CEO. His deep roots in agriculture, combined with his proven leadership and vision, make him the ideal person to guide Farm Supply into its next chapter.”
Russ Silvestri, managing partner of Boyden San Francisco, supported the company during the executive search process.
Farm Supply Company, founded in 1950, is a farmer-owned cooperative serving California’s Central Coast. It operates locations in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, and Buellton. The cooperative has more than 2,400 members, most of whom are local farmers, ranchers, and growers. Farm Supply offers products for the farm, home, and ranch, including irrigation supplies, pet products, clothing, and home décor. The cooperative also supports the agricultural community through educational clinics, community events, and youth agriculture programs.
