The Irrigation Association (IA) recently announced three new members joined the IA Board of Directors: Tyler Fields, Jonathan Lauer, CIC, CLIA, and A.J. van de Ven. Fields is the Senior Director of Global Water Delivery at Valmont Industries Inc. Lauer is the CEO of Pro Outdoor and van de Ven is the President and CEO of Calsense.

 

IA CEO Natasha Rankin stated, "Each [member] brings experience that strengthens how the IA connects irrigation professionals and businesses to the real value they deliver - helping growers, communities and customers use water more effectively, grounded in responsible water stewardship. Their willingness to serve reflects a shared commitment to the future of irrigation and reinforces the board's collective leadership as a credible, unifying voice for the industry."

The IA Board of Directors consists of 15 elected members. Directors are nominated and elected by members of the IA. Elections happen annually every fall, with the new terms beginning at the end of the year. The new directors started their term at the end of the 2025 Irrigation Show and Education Week.

The association's strategic direction, policies, and programs are established by the Board of Directors. They monitor industry trends, determine strategic priorities, and defines the association's position on public policies. The IA welcomes the new directors, and looks forward to working with them in 2026 to create an environment for the irrigation industry to thrive in.