Cynthia L. Mathiesen is a distinguished executive with over three decades of experience in operations management, strategic planning, and intellectual property (IP) within the agriculture and business sectors. Currently based in Watsonville, California, Cynthia serves as the Trade Compliance specialist at Superior Foods and is a Senior Consultant at CLM Intellectual Property Consulting. Her career reflects a robust expertise in fostering global business growth, managing complex IP portfolios, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives.
Cynthia’s professional journey includes a notable tenure as the Senior Manager of Global Intellectual Property at Driscoll’s, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s IP strategy and operations. Over her 28 years with Driscoll’s, Cynthia led the global patent prosecution for all breeding programs, successfully navigating the complexities of international IP law. She was instrumental in establishing a comprehensive IP system that reduced the U.S. filing-to-grant interval from three years to just nine months. Her efforts in developing berry forecasting models and managing legal costs resulted in significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost reduction.
In her role as a Production Manager and Grower Relations specialist at Driscoll’s, Cynthia pioneered the implementation of electronic plant distribution systems and streamlined grower contracts across multiple regions, including the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Her strategic initiatives in merging and acquisition integration, crop production modeling, and plant distribution program management exemplify her capability to drive operational excellence and innovation.
Cynthia’s current roles extend her influence in the industry, where she advises clients on IP operations and strategic planning. Her involvement with the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau as Director of Public Relations and Information highlights her commitment to community engagement and agricultural advocacy. Additionally, Cynthia’s role as an Adjunct Professor of Business at Cabrillo College underscores her dedication to education and mentorship in business management.
With international exposure across Australia, Europe, Canada, South Africa, and China, Cynthia has developed a deep understanding of global markets and regulatory environments. Her expertise encompasses managing international patent and trademark applications, strategic business research and analysis, and cross-functional team leadership. Her accomplishments in IP protection, budgeting, and strategic business research have earned her recognition as a leader in her field.
Cynthia holds a Doctor of Management in Global Leadership from Colorado Technical University and an MBA from San Jose State University, complementing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the same institution. Her personal interests in home gardening, crafting, and cooking reflect her values of creativity and dedication.
Cynthia L. Mathiesen’s career is a testament to her exceptional skills in managing complex operations, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering global business growth. Her extensive experience and proven track record make her a valuable asset to any board, where she continues to apply her expertise to advance organizational goals and contribute to the agricultural and business sectors.
Character: Cynthia Mathiesen is a dedicated and proactive leader with a strong track record of transforming complex processes and systems. Her commitment to excellence and integrity has earned her the trust and respect of colleagues and stakeholders across the globe.
Knowledge: Cynthia possesses deep expertise in intellectual property management and global business strategy, particularly in the agricultural sector. Her extensive experience includes launching innovative IP systems and guiding strategic initiatives in emerging markets.
Strategic: Cynthia excels in developing and executing strategies that drive growth and operational efficiency. Her ability to analyze market trends and competitive landscapes has led to successful expansions and improvements in international business operations.
Communication: Cynthia is skilled in fostering clear and effective communication across diverse teams and departments. Her adeptness at managing corporate-wide communications and stakeholder engagement ensures that complex ideas and strategies are conveyed and implemented successfully.
