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Mike Chrisman named secretary of resources Issue Date: November 26, 2003

By Kate Campbell Assistant Editor

Mike Chrisman, 59, a fourth-generation Tulare County farmer and rancher, has been appointed California secretary of resources by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. In addition to a distinguished career in business and public service, Chrisman has been very active in Farm Bureau.

Chrisman is a former president of Tulare County Farm Bureau. He also served as a director of the California Farm Bureau Federation from 1984 to 1990 and has been active in issues affecting agriculture and the environment for more than 40 years.

"Mike's strong business and government management experience, coupled with his proven track record in resource conservation, will be invaluable to this administration," Schwarzenegger said. "The vast natural resources of our great state are a tremendous asset for all Californians and we must be responsible stewards of their use. I look forward to working with such a well-qualified individual to develop policies and programs to accomplish this."

The Resources Agency, through its various departments, boards, commissions and conservancies, is responsible for administering programs that conserve, preserve, restore and enhance the rich and diverse natural and cultural resources of California. The agency has 15,000 employees with an annual budget of more than $5 billion.

California Farm Bureau Federation President Bill Pauli said Chrisman's selection to head the state Resources Agency is an excellent choice based on his background and leadership in agriculture, combined with his experience in state service.

"Mike has demonstrated a high level of leadership and skill in serving in the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the state Resources Agency," Pauli said. "He has played an active role in protecting our state's precious resources. His background in agriculture, water and environmental issues will serve all Californians well in the future as part of Gov. Schwarzenegger's team to protect our environment and promote jobs."

In addition to ongoing involvement in his family's farming and ranching operations, Chrisman has served as Southern California Edison's region manager for the San Joaquin Valley since 1996. Prior to that, he "erved as undersecretary for CDFA and deputy secretary for operations and legislation for the California Resources Agency, which he will now lead.

"Although I've been a farmer and rancher all my life, my work in government has come out of the resource agencies," Chrisman said. "That includes the Department of Food and Agriculture and my experience on the Fish and Game Commission. I've had a life-long interest in the management of our natural resource base."

He said the agency will now need to set priorities and begin managing the state's natural resources in light of population growth and budget constraints.

"It's all interrelated and I look forward to working with A.G. Kawamura at CDFA and Terry Tamminen at the state's Environmental Protection Agency," Chrisman said. "Water is always a major issue in California because of the need to meet ever-increasing demand. It's an issue that needs to be viewed from a holistic standpoint."

Chrisman said the governor's environmental action plan will serve as a blueprint for the Resources Agency. He said agency priorities will include getting more engaged in the Cal-Fed Bay-Delta Program, focusing on energy and electricity, improving the business climate in California and increasing jobs.

Chrisman has served as a staff director for the Assembly Republican Caucus. In addition, and he served as chief of staff and advisor on agriculture, water and environmental issues to then-Assemblyman Bill Jones. Chrisman also has been a partner since 1966 in a family farming operation, producing stonefruit, walnuts, row crops and beef.

He has served as vice president of the California Fish and Game Commission, and is immediate past chairman of the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks Foundation, chairman of the Great Valley Center and member of the board of directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

CFBF Administrator George Gomes said, "Mike served on CFBF's board of directors for six years and during that time he was always attentive to the issues. He gathered input from everyone before making a decision. That approach is important as he takes on this new job. He'll have a lot of pressure from different interests and he'll need to weigh those interests and make sound decisions based on facts and science."

Tulare County Farm Bureau President Nancy Pitigliano said, "Given that I know Mike personally and have worked with him for years, I'm thrilled at his appointment. Mike knows resources, forestry, water. He has all the background necessary to do a wonderful job. He's a great choice."

Pitigliano said Chrisman has always played an active role at Tulare County Farm Bureau. He has been involved on many committees, most recently helping organize an outreach program to educate those in urban areas about the role and practices of California agriculture.

"Mike is a statesman and we will miss his contributions to Tulare County Farm Bureau and this entire area," she said. "Mike is a great resource himself that now we're going to have to share."

CFBF Board Member Kerry Whitson, who is a Tulare County stonefruit and grape grower, said, "Mike is going to be a fantastic resources secretary. He has always been a voice of reason and has a very calming effect when contentious issues are being discussed. He researches issues and is knowledgeable about a subject before coming to conclusions. One of his greatest strengths is accessibility."