Kristen Smith Eshaya named president of JV Smith Cos.
Kristen Smith Eshaya is the new president of Yuma, Ariz.-based JV Smith Cos.
Former President Vic Smith will continue as CEO and chairman of the board, according to a news release.
JV Smith Cos. began with the formation of Skyview Cooling Company in 1970 by John Smith, Smith Eshaya's grandfather and Vic Smith’s father.
John Smith and Vic Smith established JV Farms in Yuma, Ariz., in 1988.
Vic Smith’s children, Smith Eshaya and Kyle Smith, have been an integral part of the company's growth in recent years, according to the release. Kyle Smith leads Fresh Innovations, a JV Smith Cos. entity.
Vic Smith praised the contributions of his children to JV Smith Cos.
“Karen and I are so proud of our children and their accomplishments,” he said in the release. “They have a proven passion for what my dad started decades ago and to what I have dedicated my work life to, as well. Kristen has completely engrossed herself in the companies and our company culture. With her lifelong love for the industry, her commitment to our JV family and her drive, I am confident she will not only take on the president role with focus and determination, but will continue to grow our team, our companies and the industry."
Smith Eshaya graduated as the valedictorian of her class at Yuma High School in 2003, and then went on to graduate from Colorado College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and, later, from Northern Arizona University with a Master of Education in human relations,
She lived in Texas and California, working in finance and development for the arts, before moving back home to join the family business, according to the release.
Along with her husband, Emil, Smith Eshaya resides in Yuma with their two children, according to the release.
She also has been involved with industry trade associations, having formerly served on the Center for Growing Talent by Produce Marketing Association board of directors, as well as the PMA diversity and inclusion task force, the release said.
Smith Eshaya is currently in the Western Growers Future Volunteer Leaders Program, in addition to serving on the Children's Museum of Yuma County board of directors.
"I am honored and ready to lead our team,” Smith Eshaya said in the release. “For the past five years, I have worked alongside some of the most intelligent, focused, selfless and passionate people I have ever met. We share a commitment to the industry, our team, the community and to the earth. With the collaborative approach our leadership team takes, the possibilities are endless."
The JV Smith Cos. family includes thousands of people across California, Arizona, Colorado and Mexico. JV Smith's companies include:
- Skyview Cooling Co., Yuma, Ariz., open since 1970
- Southern Colorado Farms, Center, Colo., open since 1977
- JV Farms, Yuma, Ariz., and Bard, Calif., open since 1988
- Skyline Potato Co., Center, Colo., open since 1991
- El Toro Agricola, Ciudad Morelos, Mexico, open since 1992
- Fresh Innovations, Yuma, Ariz., open since 2001
- JV Farms Organic, Soledad, Calif., open since 2012
- Triangle Farms, Salinas, Calif., open since 2018
