Kristen Smith Eshaya

President

Kristen Smith Eshaya is President of JV Smith Companies, a family-owned, third-generation farming company with operations in Arizona, Colorado, California and Mexico. She is a graduate of the Western Growers Future Volunteer Leaders Program and currently serves as Secretary of the Western Growers Political Action Committee Board. During her time in the Western Growers leadership program, Kristen had the opportunity to observe the committee and board meetings and engage with the Directors, building the knowledge and relationships necessary to be an effective representative for Yuma members. She would be honored to serve alongside this group of dedicated, talented individuals in the collective fight to protect the future of the Western fresh produce industry. Kristen also actively participates in Western Growers Women and the Women in Agribusiness Conference and served on PMA’s Center for Growing Talent Board and Equity and Inclusion Task Force. Kristen was born and raised in Yuma, attended Yuma High and graduated valedictorian of her class. She graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Colorado College, including a year of study at the London School of Economics, and holds an M Ed. in Human Relations from NAU Yuma. After college, she worked for the Alley Theatre in Houston, TX and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, CA before returning to Yuma on her father’s request to join the family business. JV Smith Companies farms fresh vegetables for distribution across the U.S., and includes JV Farms (Yuma, AZ); Southern Colorado Farms and Skyline Potato (San Luis Valley, CO); Triangle Farms and JV Organics (Salinas, CA); El Toro and Fresh Innovations (Baja California, Mexico).

Kristen was elected to the Board in 2024.