Farm bureau president joins Fresno State foundation governors

Five new members have been elected to the board of governors of the California State University, Fresno Foundation, including Madera County Farm Bureau president Jay Majil. Other members include Larry Johanson, Mark Ruof, Lorraine Salazar and William T. (Bill) Shaughnessy.

Established in 1931, the Fresno State Foundation’s mission is to advance the university’s strategic objectives by encouraging philanthropy, inspiring leadership and promoting fiscal accountability. The foundation is responsible for management of financial activities relating to sponsored research grants and contracts, acceptance of gifts and donations and oversight of investments that include an endowment valued at more than $145 million.

University President Joseph I. Castro announced the appointments to the board of the private, nonprofit public benefit corporation this summer.

“We are delighted that these highly respected business leaders are sharing their time, expertise and passion for Fresno State by joining our Foundation Board of Governors,” Castro said. “The foundation is instrumental in advancing our University towards its continual mission to boldly educate and empower students for success.”

The 33-member board includes a diverse group of prominent alumni and community leaders who share their expertise and industry experience, all to help advance Fresno State’s mission and philanthropic support.

Mahil is a partner in a family farming operation, Creekside Land Company, LLC, which farms 6,000 acres of almonds, pistachios and wine grapes throughout the Central Valley. He was the first in his family to attend college and earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from Fresno State in 1999. A fourth-generation farmer and the first generation of his family to be born in the United States, Mahil is also a board member of the San Joaquin Valley Winegrower Association. He is also a member of the Madera Sunrise Rotary. He and his wife Vishivjeet have two children.