BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Read below to learn more about our committed board members, and how their role is continuing our tradition of excellence.
AMEER ATRASH
President
Ventura
Ameer received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from the California State University, Channel Islands and is currently a second-year law school student at the Ventura College of Law. In his current role as Supervising Agricultural Inspector/Biologist, he oversees the operational efforts of the export certification program along with assisting and training in pest exclusion matters. His professional interests include training and development, administrative law, and technical efficiencies.
JOSE ARRIAGA
Past President
Orange
Jose received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Cal Poly Pomona. In his current role as Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures, he oversees a broad range of responsibilities including general department administration, budget and finance, programs management, and personnel. His professional interests include staff development, operational efficiencies, and stakeholder relationships.
ALEXANDER (ALEX)Â NGUYEN
Vice President North
Sonoma
Alex received his Bachelors of Science in Entomology from the University of California, Davis. In his current role as Agricultural Biologist/Weights & Measures Inspector, he performs enforcement activities in thePesticide Use Enforcement as well as High Risk, and Pest Exclusion Programs. His professional interests focus on emerging agricultural pests of concern.
RUDY VALENCIA
Vice President South
Riverside
Rudy received his bachelor’s degree in Health Science, with a concentration in Environmental Health from California State University, San Bernardino. In his current role as a Supervising Agricultural and Standards Investigator, Rudy supervises staff working in the western region of Riverside County. Rudy’s responsibilities include, overseeing the work performed in Agriculture, as well as Weights and Measures programs within the Riverside district. His professional interests include team building, administrative law, public relations.
JANESSA WEINGAND
Treasurer
Contra Costa
Janessa received her degree in Agricultural Science and Education from California State University, Chico. Janessa currently serves the public as an Agricultural Biologist for the county of Contra Costa. In her current role as an agricultural biologist, Janessa helps regulate the Pest Management, Phytophthora ramorum and High Risk Pest Exclusion programs. She also contributes to the annual County Crop Report. Her professional interests focus on educating the public about the importance of agriculture, developing relationships with stakeholders and mastering new skills in the workplace.
RAMONA HOCKETT
Executive Secretary
Santa Clara
Ramona received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz. Ramona previously worked as the canine handler for the Santa Clara County Dog Team enforcing pest exclusion regulations for three years and has recently transitioned into the current role of Biologist/Standards Specialist, focusing on Weights and Measures. Ramona enjoys learning and growing in this amazing career and is excited about being on the CASAP Board.
NICOLAS BERG
Webmaster
Imperial
Nic earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. He currently supervises the Pesticide Use Enforcement Division in Imperial County. His professional interests include staff empowerment, professional development, strategic implementation of technology and innovation, and fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration.
ZACHARY BAILEY
Member at Large
Napa
Zach received his Bachelors of Arts in The Hutchin’s School of Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University, and his Masters of Science in Environmental Engineering from California State University Fullerton. In his current role as Weights and Measures Inspector he performs inspections and enforcement activities to ensure the accuracy and correctness of commercial measuring and weighing devices. His profession interests include promotion of diversity and inclusion.
SARAH MELLOR
Member at Large
San Bernardino
Sarah received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Science from California Polytechnic State University of Pomona. She currently serves as a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer for the County of San Bernardino. In her current role she oversees the Pest Exclusion and Pest Detection Programs including the Dog Team, Exotic Fruit Fly Trapping, ACP Bulk Citrus Enforcement, and Nursery Inspections. She also leads Phytosanitary certificate issuance and parcel facility inspections. Her professional interests include worker safety and staff development.
SHAYLA NEUFELD
Member at Large
Monterey
Shayla Neufeld received her Bachelors of Science in Agriculture Education-Agriculture Communications option from California State University, Fresno. She currently serves as a program lead Agricultural Inspector / Biologist III for County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer’s Office within the Fruit and Vegetable Standardization unit, which includes: Commodity Standards, Direct Marketing, Retail Egg Inspections, State Organic Program Registrations, Cannabis Cultivation Inspections, Industrial Hemp, compiles and analyzes crop statistics for the County of Monterey Crop and Livestock Reports and assists in the management of the County of Monterey Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer's Office Facebook social media page. Her professional interests focus on educating the public she serves about the importance of agriculture, involved within the community as part of Leadership Monterey County the Class of 2023 and volunteers with local 4H, FFA and Monterey County Agricultural Education Farm Day events.
VICTOR RABINOVICH
Member at Large
San Francisco
Victor received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. After several years of internships in natural resources management, sustainable agriculture and three years in rural Japan, Victor completed a master’s in international business from the Middlebury Institute of International studies in Monterey California. In his current role as an agricultural inspector, Victor covers several programs including High Risk Parcel Inspection program, Phytosanitary issuance, and other programs in Direct Marketing. Prior to being and agriculture inspector, Victor worked for four years as a weights and measures inspector for the same county. Victor’s introduction into the CDFA licensed inspector/biologist professions was a result of being a seasonal insect trapper in Alameda County.
ANTONIO VENEGAS
Member at Large
Imperial
Antonio received his Bachelors of Science in Biology, majoring in Ecology, Behavior, Evolution from the University of California, San Diego. In his current role as Agricultural Biologist/Standard Specialist IV, he supervises both the Weights & Measures and Special Projects Divisions for Imperial County. His professional interests include enhancing stakeholder relationships, facilitating professional development, and public service.
Want to meet our team members? Get in touch with us today.