Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers provides a lobbying voice in state and federal government, affordable health benefits, technology and innovation development, transportation solutions, legal and human resources guidance and more.
Behind the association are more than 400 employees who are dedicated to serving America’s food heroes; here is an inside look at two of Western Growers’ champions.
Mary Doidge
Executive Assistant, Finance
I am the Corporate Administrator for WGFC’s Corporate Programs, which include Wells Fargo Corporate Credit Card, cell phones and wifi devices, DEEM travel program, Office Depot and Iron Mountain.
Do you have a favorite WG memory? Riding up the elevator with Dave Puglia right after he became President/CEO and congratulating him on his promotion.
What is the best part of your job? I get to meet the new hires by setting them up with our corporate programs.
Do you have a work accomplishment that you are proud of? I have brought in a 3rd party vendor to reduce the cost of our cell phone expense.
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I ran the 2010 Los Angeles Marathon.
Do you have a favorite sports team? New York Yankees and the Kansas City Chiefs
Do you have a favorite vacation spot? I love cruises. I have been on a European cruise, cruised the Caribbean Islands and Alaska.
JD Matthews
Team Lead, Administration
I train my team on and help resolve the more complex Eligibility/Enrollment and Account Receivable inquiries, manage audit and reconciliation processes, and improve/automate internal procedures to ensure billing and reporting accuracy.
Do you have a favorite WG memory? Just recently my vehicle was vandalized and totaled. My favorite memory is just how so many people at this amazing company expressed their concern and offered their help. We work with not just great talent, but with great people.
Do you have a work accomplishment that you are proud of? While I do have work-related accomplishments, I am prouder of how I have grown and everything this company has done to provide the path for that growth.
Do you have a passion or hobby? Tennis, Fantasy Football, Gaming
What’s your favorite movie/tv show/song/book? Harry Potter Series/Any Star Trek Series/Rock & Roll Band by Boston
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I can break down a subject many different ways in different learning styles which is why I think I am a great teacher. I honed this skill while I taught swim from 6 month olds to 94 year olds and also working in afterschool programs at primary schools.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by? “People’s dreams will never die!” — Marshall D. Teach (One Piece)
Do you have a favorite sports team? Chicago Bears. Da Bears!
Do you have a favorite place where you have traveled? Venice, Italy
Anything else you would like to share? My wife volunteered at a local urban farm in Long Beach, California for 3 years and has learned, and taught me, a lot about growing and the importance of agriculture in everyone’s lives. We don’t currently have space for a garden but use a small hydroponic indoor garden to grow what we can.
