On Dec. 17, UnitedAg announced its newly elected board of directors for the 2026-27 term. The board brings leaders with deep expertise across agriculture, business, and community advocacy to help guide the organization, and it plays a critical role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and supporting member-focused programs, according to UnitedAg.
“This board reflects the heart of agriculture — leadership grounded in integrity, experience, and a deep commitment to people,” says Kirti Mutatkar, UnitedAg CEO. “Our board members bring more than expertise; they bring perspective shaped by real agricultural experience. Their leadership will help UnitedAg continue to evolve while staying true to our mission of strengthening health, stability, and opportunity for the agricultural workforce and the communities that sustain our food system.”
Alex Van Wingerden and Mary Parreira are new board members for the 2026-27 term.
Van Wingerden, CEO of Westland Floral, is a dedicated grower and entrepreneur who thinks integrity and sustainability are at the heart of every great harvest, the association says. Based in Carpinteria, Calif., he and his father, Case Van Wingerden, are established growers of Gerbera daisies, lilies, field flowers, orchids, poinsettias, and fresh produce. Together, they own and operate Alexander Ranch, Westland Floral, and Gallup & Stribling Orchids.
Guided by the philosophy “We grow with integrity,” Van Wingerden is passionate about leaving clean footprints for future generations and ensuring every product reflects the care, respect and sustainability that define his work.
Parreira, born and raised on California’s Central Coast, serves the agricultural community that has long been part of her family’s legacy. She currently serves as office manager for RPAC LLC, overseeing grower accounting and supporting the financial operations of her family’s agricultural business.
Before returning to agriculture in 2013, Parreira spent nearly two decades in business management roles, including nine years in optometry and 10 years directing a real estate school. She attended Cabrillo College and San José State University, where she studied enology and business. She is an active member of both the Almond Board and the Almond Alliance.
The 2026-27 board includes:
- Eric Bream, chair, Bream Family Farms Inc.
- Richard Plato, vice chair, Christopher Ranch
- Santiago Martin Jr., greasurer, Trilogy Personnel & Land Management Inc.
- Sarah Gargan-Baxter, Kaweah Pump
- Matt Bastone, Plantel Nurseries
- Marylu Ramirez, GoodFarms
- Gary Thiara, Empire Farming Co. LLC
- Alex Van Wingerden, Westland Floral Co. Carpinteria Inc.
- Mary Parreira, RPAC LLC
