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Zipser retires from farm bureau; Diemel named new executive director
Wayne Zipser
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Executive Director Wayne Zipser (center) and the farm bureau's Farm News Editor Anna Genasci (right) stand with California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson as they accept the Innovator Award at the CFB's annual meeting in December 2021.

After more than 35 years of serving Stanislaus County’s agricultural interests, Wayne Zipser will retire from his post as farm bureau executive director.

The Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Board has named Caitie Diemel as the new executive director. Diemel currently serves as the Programs Director for SCFB and will step into this role this spring.

Zipser has been involved with farm bureau for more than 35 years, first as director, officer, president and currently executive director. Zipser oversees all operations of SCFB and is an integral part of the management of East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.

Zipser was born and raised in Ceres, and after attending Fresno State, he returned home to farm with his father. After serving on the SCFB Board for several years, he became executive director in 2003.

During Zipser’s tenure, he prevailed in a lawsuit with Stanislaus County vs Building Industry Association regarding farmland mitigation, chaired the Stanislaus Water Advisory Committee and co-founded East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.

“We thank Zipser for his commitment to agriculture and his passion for the farmers, ranchers and dairymen in this county,” stated the farm bureau in a press release.

As Zipser retires from official farm bureau business, he leaves the organization in good hands.

Diemel, born and raised in Tuolumne County, has spent the last eight years serving Stanislaus County growers in her role as Programs Director for SCFB and Grower Relations with East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition. Diemel earned her Bachelor’s Degree from UC Santa Cruz in Business Management Economics and graduated from the California Farm Bureau Leadership Program, Class of 2016.

In her current role, she is responsible for budgeting, growing membership, events, advocating for growers and providing helpful resources.

“I am both honored and humbled to step into this new role. I am confident that this organization will continue to do more for our members than ever before. We have a tremendous team of highly talented staff members and a very forward-thinking board who continue to serve Stanislaus County agriculture. I am so proud to lead this wonderful team,” said Diemel.