ANNUAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER
DAN HEATH
Bestselling Author, Speaker & Thought Leader on Change and Innovation, & Host of the What It’s Like to Be… Podcast
Dan Heath is the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author (or author) of six beloved business books: "Switch," "Made to Stick," "Decisive," "The Power of Moments," "Upstream," and his latest book, "Reset," which debuted in January 2025.
His books have been translated into 35 languages and have sold over 4 million copies worldwide. His writing honors include: One of the best nonfiction books of the year, according to Amazon. One of the best audiobooks of the year, according to Apple. And the Owl Award for Best Business Book of the Year.
Heath also hosts a Top 5 Apple Careers podcast called: “What It’s Like to Be…” In every episode, he interviews someone from a different profession: a couple’s therapist, a homicide detective, a cattle rancher, and more.
He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from the University of Texas at Austin, and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.
FEATURED SESSION SPEAKERS
Session 1: Ag Healthcare Innovation Panel
Thursday, April 30 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Thursday, April 30 | 2:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Session 2: Advocacy
Louie A. Brown, Jr.
Partner, Kahn Soares & Conway, LLP
Louie A. Brown, Jr. manages the firm’s Sacramento office and the Government Relations Group, representing clients before the California State Legislature and various state administrative agencies. Louie specializes in providing clients with expert advice in maneuvering through California’s complex legislative and regulatory process and played key roles in negotiating legislation and regulation on a variety of topics.
Joshua C. Walters
Chief of Strategy, Alliance of California’s Farmers & Ranchers
Joshua C. Walters is a resourceful political professional and attorney with nearly two decades of experience in politics, campaigns, legislative processes, and issue advocacy. As a proven crisis manager, he develops successful campaigns and innovative solutions for elected leaders, political coalitions, and various organizations in high-stakes environments. Walters specializes in campaign strategy, coalition building, and crafting effective messaging across media platforms.
Jeff Aiello
Owner-Executive Producer, 18Thirty Entertainment
Jeff Aiello is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and producer with over 35 years of experience in broadcast and cable television. He spent 15 years as Director of Marketing, Production, and Programming for ABC 30 and The Walt Disney Company, leading creative initiatives in content development. A skilled cinematographer, editor, and storyteller, Jeff continues to craft compelling documentaries and visual narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.
Eric Bream
President, Bream Family Farms, Inc.
Eric Bream is a third-generation family farmer in Tulare County. Before returning to the family farm in 2014, Eric had a long career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He is an alumnus of the California Agricultural Leadership Program – Class 48, a board member at Tulare County Farm Bureau and administrator for My Job Depends on Ag. Eric joined the UnitedAg Board of Directors in 2019 and was appointed Chair in 2024.
Jayson Welter
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, UnitedAg
Jayson Welter has over 20 years of legal and healthcare experience both in the private and public sectors serving in key management roles. Throughout his career, he honed his skills by understanding health plans from A-Z, combining this with a deep understanding of healthcare operations, and finally adding the legal and compliance aspects to his vast set of skills.
Kirti Mutatkar
President & CEO, UnitedAg
Kirti Mutatkar is a visionary leader dedicated to making high-quality, innovative, and affordable healthcare accessible to the agricultural community. As CEO of UnitedAg, Kirti is committed to empowering members and employer groups to adopt an empathetic and collaborative approach in delivering healthcare solutions that are both innovative and cost-effective. Kirti currently serves as President of the Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA) Board of Directors and holds the position of Director at Large for AgSafe, where she advocates for safety and health in agriculture. She also hosts the podcast This is Ag!, bringing insights and stories from the ag industry.
Session 1 Speakers to be Announced
Lynnette R. Jacquez
Principal, CJ Lake, LLC
Lynn Jacquez is Managing Partner and Principal of CJ Lake LLC, bringing decades of experience in federal service, government relations, and private law practice. She previously served as counsel to the House Judiciary Committee, where she helped draft the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. She later co-founded what became CJ Strategies and established CJ Lake LLC in 2011. Ms. Jacquez advises clients on federal legislative and regulatory strategy, funding and policy opportunities, transportation and emissions reduction programs, and workforce and immigration law. She is a member of the D.C. Bar and holds degrees from L’Université d’Aix-Marseilles and the University of Notre Dame Law School.