Staff

KRIS O'CONNOR, M.S., Executive Director

Kris O'Connor began with CCVT in 1998 and helped develop and institutionalize CCVT's research, demonstration, and education programs. Prior to her work with the Vineyard Team, Kris taught irrigation classes at Cal Poly, co-authored a Fertigation textbook, and conducted irrigation trials in the San Joaquin Valley. As a graduate of the California Ag Leadership Program, she facilitated meetings with the President of Panama, toured organic farms in El Salvador, and met with Nobel Laureate Oscar Arias.

In her spare time, she is a busy mom supporting her 16 year old son's various activities, travels throughout the state to participate in West Coast Swing dance competitions, and loves to travel and study Spanish. Email Kris

BETH VUKMANIC, Certification Coordinator

Beth Vukmanic graduated from Cal Poly in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science in Agribusiness, Marketing concentration and minor in Music. Beth joined the Central Coast Vineyard Team in July 2009. She looks forward to using her account management background to coordinate the SIP Certification program.

In her off time, Beth practices Muay Thai kickboxing, plays the harp professionally at weddings and special events, works in her home vegetable garden and loves to cook. Email Beth

KATE JOYCE, Program Support

Kate Joyce was introduced to the world of Central Coast wine first through her experience working at a small local winery. Kate studied art history and the visual arts at Occidental College and later organized events for a San Francisco art gallery. Kate recognizes that farming and winemaking are their own forms of art, and is looking forward to becoming more familiar with the vineyards of the Central Coast.

In her free time Kate enjoys skiing, running and painting. On sunny days she likes to work in her yard with her husband and dog. She has just started her own vegetable bed and is enjoying the benefits of her first compost bin. Email Kate

ANNE MICHUL, Communications Assistant

Anne Michul grew up in the heart of the Napa Valley wine industry. She cultivated her love of wine and agriculture during her long summers as a field worker and making wine in her family's garage. Anne is graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a bachelor's degree in journalism - public relations and a minor in wine and viticulture. Anne started out as an intern at CCVT two years ago and hasn't looked back since.

Anne enjoys skiing, traveling, and spending quality time outdoors during her free time. She is always on the lookout for new adventures, camping spots, cooking recipes, and good company. Email Anne

KYLE WOMMACK, Special Events

Kyle Wommack graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a Presidential Scholar from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Environmental Tourism Planning and Development and a minor in Environmental Conservation. Kyle has represented the Central Coast Vineyard Team at various industry and consumer tradeshows, community events, and the Sustainable Ag Expo since 2004 and is the lead coordinator of the Earth Day Food & Wine Festival. In her free time, Kyle traveled extensively in Australia, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Costa Rica and her native California; she now enjoys a different type of adventure at home with her husband, 3 and 1-year old sons, and 5 year old puppy in Paso Robles. Email Kyle

JILL WHITACRE, Special Projects

Jill Whitacre graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2003 from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Business and a minor in Wine & Viticulture. Jill has been with the Central Coast Vineyard Team since January 2003 working with Outreach and Education. In 2006, Jill transitioned to coordinating the Prop 50 Cover Crop Assessment Project, coordinating the development of the SIP Certification program, overseeing Outreach & Education, coordinating the Sustainable Ag Expo, assisting growers with regulation compliance, and handling grower relations. Before coming to the Central Coast Vineyard Team, Jill worked with the M.E.S.A Agricultural Initiative during her years at Cal Poly.

Prior to welcoming Jude into the world, Jill enjoyed surfing with her husband, running with her dog, cooking, and doing anything that takes her outdoors. Email Jill