President Speaker Series
Cal State Monterey Bay's President's Speaker Series brings inspiring leaders, innovators, and changemakers to engage students and the broader community in meaningful conversation.
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Through diverse perspectives and thought-provoking dialogue, the President Speaker Series cultivates the intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and global orientation at the heart of Cal State Monterey Bay's values, preparing reflective practitioners, innovative leaders, and thriving citizens dedicated to the public good. Each conversation strengthens the connected, inclusive community envisioned in Cal State Monterey Bay's Strategic Plan, inviting students, employees and community members alike to learn, connect, and take action on the issues shaping our world. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
2026 Events
From Seed to Market: Innovation and the Future of Agriculture
Impacts of New Agricultural Technologies
Featuring
Walt Duflock
Senior Vice President of AgTech Innovation, Western Growers
Panel Moderator
Colleen Bailey
President and CEO Salinas Chamber of Commerce
Oct. 15, 2026
One Main Street
Downtown Salinas
5:30 p.m. Networking reception
Refreshments and small bites will be served.
6:30 p.m. Program begins
Confirmed speakers
- Pete Melero, Vice President, Plantel Nurseries
- Eder Padilla ’11, Project Manager, RAMCO Enterprises LP
- Richard Chapman, Hartnell College
- Lawrence Henrard, Cal State Monterey Bay
Field automation and emerging technologies are transforming agriculture at every stage of the supply chain. This President's Speaker Series event brings together industry leaders and educators to explore how innovation, vertical integration and strategic partnerships are reshaping agriculture—from seed companies and nursery operations to field automation, distribution and market.
Panelists will discuss how advances like substrate growing systems, precision automation, and integrated production models are boosting efficiency, sustainability and speed to market. The conversation will also spotlight the career opportunities emerging across the ag industry and the role of education in preparing a skilled, future-ready workforce.