“Make a difference in people’s lives.”

Gary Schulz is a seasoned President and Chief Executive Officer with a decades-long track record of leading mission-driven organizations at the intersection of agriculture, policy, and economic development. Renowned for his servant-leadership style and ability to unite diverse stakeholders under a common vision, Schulz brings deep operational expertise, political savvy, and an unwavering dedication to advancing industries critical to global food systems. With an extensive background in non-profit and quasi-governmental entities, he has spent his career transforming organizations through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and innovative program development.

Currently, Gary serves as Founder and CEO of Gary Schulz Consulting LLC, where he chairs three Vistage Peer Advisory Groups and provides leadership development guidance to 36 CEOs and senior executives. His commitment to elevating executive performance is grounded in his own leadership journey, one that includes stewarding some of California’s most significant agricultural and trade organizations.

As President and CEO of the Citrus Research Board (2015–2018), Gary led a $15 million operation dedicated to advancing research on behalf of 3,000 California citrus growers. Under his direction, the organization expanded its Integrated Pest Management laboratory, managed one of the nation’s most advanced bio-secure HLB research labs, and hosted the prestigious International Research Conference on Huanglongbing. He also oversaw extensive stakeholder outreach, scientific collaboration, and successful referendum passage—all while ensuring the Board’s continued accreditation and funding efficacy.

Before that, Gary helmed the Raisin Administrative Committee and California Raisin Marketing Board (2008–2015), directing a combined $43 million in federal and grower-backed programs. His leadership yielded tangible results: he oversaw a 69% increase in grower returns, eliminated controversial volume regulations, and drove international marketing strategies that expanded global raisin exports by 24%. He was instrumental in securing over $36 million in USDA Bonus Buy purchases, and advanced critical compliance, research, and communication initiatives that strengthened the California raisin industry on the world stage.

Earlier in his career, Gary served as General Manager of the International Agri-Center and World Ag Expo, transforming it into the world’s largest agricultural trade show with more than 1,500 exhibitors and a $2.1 billion annual economic impact. He expanded volunteer engagement sixfold, founded landmark events and leadership programs, and raised millions in public and private funding to construct new facilities like the Heritage Complex. His tenure marked a significant boost in visibility and value for California’s ag sector, both domestically and internationally.

Gary’s career foundation began in chamber leadership and advocacy—first as Ag Bureau Manager for the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, where he conceived the Washington State International Ag Trade Center, and later as President of the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, where he tripled membership and led the city to earn All-America City status. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to merge grassroots energy with top-tier organizational strategy, uniting farmers, policymakers, researchers, and business leaders toward shared goals.

A graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Agriculture Education, Gary is also an alumnus of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management. His professional affiliations have included leadership roles with the California Specialty Crops Council, North American Farm Show Council, Tulare County Workforce Investment Board, and the USDA’s Western Center for Risk Management Education, among many others.

Across every chapter of his career, Gary Schulz has remained committed to lifting others—whether growers, executives, entrepreneurs, or community members—through collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. His career stands as a model for how integrity, strategic foresight, and genuine care for people can shape stronger industries and more resilient communities.

Character
Gary Schulz exemplifies servant leadership, consistently prioritizing the needs of his stakeholders, building trust through transparency, and demonstrating unwavering integrity throughout a career dedicated to public service and agricultural advancement.

Knowledge
With deep expertise in non-profit governance, agricultural economics, and international trade, Gary brings a rare combination of policy insight, operational acumen, and technical understanding gained through decades of executive leadership in complex, member-driven organizations.

Strategic
Gary has a proven track record of transforming organizations through visionary planning, stakeholder alignment, and results-driven execution, guiding multimillion-dollar initiatives, increasing grower returns, and securing critical funding for long-term industry impact.

Communication
A compelling communicator and consensus builder, Gary effectively engages with diverse audiences—from government agencies and international partners to local communities and board members—fostering collaboration, advancing education, and amplifying organizational goals through clear, mission-focused messaging.