Christopher Valadez
President
Since assuming leadership of the Grower-Shipper Association (GSA) in May 2019, Christopher Valadez has guided the organization in its mission to protect and advance the interests of its member businesses—the farms, harvesters, processors, and shippers that form the backbone of America’s Salad Bowl. Under his direction, GSA advocates for policies that support the production of safe, nutritious food, enhance the economic sustainability of these operations, reduce regulatory hurdles, and promote responsible resource management to produce a reliable food supply for North American consumers and beyond.
Valadez has led GSA’s initiatives targeting revisions to state and federal regulations that hinder efficient food production. These efforts prioritize water resources infrastructure, pest and disease management, and mitigating politically influenced costs, helping members maintain viability.
In 2022, GSA responded to the Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) outbreak affecting lettuce production by convening a technical task force, implementing a disease surveillance program, and obtaining research funding to support long-term agricultural resilience for its members. In 2023, Valadez initiated the establishment of food safety roles within a new microbiological research facility in the Salinas Valley, which was developed in collaboration with the University of California and the USDA-ARS to inform risk-based strategies supporting the production of safe food.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, GSA, under Valadez’s bold leadership, stepped up with unwavering resolve to support member businesses and protect essential workers on the farm and in facilities as rules shifted. GSA provided timely guidance, supplies procurement, testing coordination, isolation housing, and healthcare advocacy to help keep the Central Coast’s vital fresh produce flowing. GSA’s fierce advocacy unveiled hard-hitting lessons, fueling a renewed effort to support those who tirelessly provide nutritious food for Americans in a resilient system that benefits all consumers. These experiences reinforced GSA’s commitment to evidence-based advocacy and defending the agricultural sector to better serve its members and the communities they support.
Before joining GSA, Valadez served for over 11 years as Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at the California Fresh Fruit Association.
Joann Arbrun
Vice President of Member Relations and Finance
Joann Arbrun is the Vice President of Member Relations and Finance for the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. She was hired as the first Membership Director for the non-profit association in 2009. Joann coordinates projects for the association that include Golf and Gala Events and the GSA IFPA Pavilion. Joann has worked within the agricultural industry for over 25 years including Central California Lettuce Producers Cooperative and the Monterey County Farm Bureau. Certification programs have included AgKnowledge, Human Resources Professional in Agriculture (HRPA) and Arbinger, The Core at Work. Committees and volunteer time has included California Women for Agriculture, Boy Scouts of America, Farm Day and AgKnowledge.
Tonnie Reyes
Office & Project Support Manager
Tonnie Reyes is the Office and Project Support Manager for the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. Ms. Reyes started her employment with Grower-Shipper Association in June, 2000 as the Administrative Assistant and has now been with the company for over twenty years. Her duties also include managing and preparing the Annual Wage and Benefits Survey, preparing the weekly E-News and Member Alerts, overseeing the front office duties and assisting the GSA President. Tonnie’s role with the company is important because she is the first person you speak to or meet with when contacting the Association.