Current employer:
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

Education and work experience:
Prior to joining the team at FFVA, I practiced in the offices of general counsel for a few regulatory agencies, including the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. I received by my J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law and my bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics from the University of Florida.

AALA leadership roles:
I serve on AALA’s symposium planning committee.

Industry awards:
I was recently named to the Fruit & Vegetable 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.

How did you get interested or involved in agricultural law?
I grew up on a ranch in southwestern Florida, where my family raised cattle and horses, so I’ve always been involved with the industry. I eventually decided to go to law school and knew that my practice would be tied to agriculture. There are so many regulations and government programs for farmers and ranchers to navigate, and my practice has allowed me to work in and with government on growers’ behalf.

What is your current role and what type of work are you doing?
I am the director of labor relations at FFVA. Our members are fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop growers who rely on large seasonal workforces for production and harvest. I work to educate and support our members’ compliance with labor and employment laws and advocate on their behalf for sound ag labor policy. My team and I also file H-2A applications and visa petitions for members and lead the annual Florida Agricultural Labor Relations Forum.

What are some challenges and opportunities you see in your job and the ag law profession?
Given the sheer number of issues that face the ag industry, I think there will always be a need for good ag lawyers and for mentors for young lawyers to develop into good ag lawyers.

How does AALA help or benefit your profession or current role?
The symposium and other education opportunities are invaluable, and I’m grateful to be in association with and learn from the best ag lawyers in the country. The breadth of issues presented at the symposium equips me to be a better lawyer and to better serve our members at FFVA.

What is one of your favorite AALA memories or experiences?
I enjoy getting to see friends and colleagues at the symposium each year. I’ve only been active in AALA for a few years, but I’ve known some members for several years, even since high school.