Jan 12, 2026

UnitedAg announces 2026 2027 board of directors

UnitedAg has announced its board of directors for the 2026–27 term, naming leaders from across agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness who will guide the organization’s strategic direction.

The board supports UnitedAg’s mission of providing health benefit solutions and resources for agricultural employers and workers in California and Arizona, including greenhouse and nursery operations.

Newly elected board members include Alex Van Wingerden, CEO of Westland Floral, and Mary Parreira, office manager for RPAC LLC. Van Wingerden is based in Carpinteria, California, and is involved in greenhouse and field production of floriculture crops including gerbera daisies, lilies, orchids and poinsettias. Parreira supports grower accounting and financial operations for her family’s agricultural business on California’s Central Coast.

“This Board reflects the heart of agriculture—leadership grounded in integrity, experience, and a deep commitment to people,” said Kirti Mutatkar, chief executive officer of UnitedAg.

The full 2026–27 board represents a range of sectors relevant to growers, including farming, nurseries, labor management and agricultural services. Board officers include Eric Bream of Bream Family Farms as chair, Richard Plato of Christopher Ranch as vice chair and Santiago Martin Jr. of Trilogy Personnel and Land Management as treasurer.

UnitedAg said the board will focus on maintaining responsive programs for members while continuing to expand access to health benefits for agricultural businesses and their employees.