Staff
KRIS BEAL, M.S., Executive Director
Kris Beal began with the Vineyard Team in 1998 and helped develop and institutionalize the group'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. Most recently, she received the 2010 SLO County Wine Industry Person of the Year Award and the 2011 Profiles in Leadership Award from the California Ag Leadership Foundation.
When not at work, Kris can be found taking cooking classes and is also a yoga instructor. Email Kris
BETH VUKMANIC LOPEZ, SIP Certified Manager
Beth Vukmanic Lopez graduated from Cal Poly with a Bachelors of Science in Agribusiness, Marketing Concentration and minor in Music. Beth joined the Vineyard Team in July 2009 and has thoroughly enjoyed overseeing the development and growth of the SIP Certified program.
In her time off, Beth plays the harp professionally at weddings and events, writes and coordinates twice-weekly high intensity interval trianing (HIIT) workouts, and loves to cook. Email Beth
HEATHER THOMAS, Membership Coordinator & Program Support
Heather Thomas graduated from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing. She finished up her education with a post graduate degree in Merchandise Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. Heather joined Vineyard Team in 2015, is the new membership coordinator, and provides support for all Vineyard Team programs.
When not at the office Heather spends her time writing. She has published a cookbook and is regularly found testing recipes for her food blog sloCooking. Email Heather
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 Vineyard Team at various industry and consumer tradeshows, community events, and the Sustainable Ag Expo since 2004.
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 sons and 5 year old puppy in Paso Robles. Email Kyle