Katy Soden, California Crop Improvement Association

Katy and her family

We are excited to welcome Katy Soden to the PSA board! Katy has been attending PSA conventions since 2011 and has served on the scholarship and convention committees since 2016. Katy is the Director of Business Operations at California Crop Improvement Association.

Find out more about Katy and her involvement with PSA by reading below.

Fun Facts

Q: Where are you from? I was born and raised in Woodland, California.

Q: Where did you go to school? Chico State University.

Q: Do you have any hobbies? I love running, working out, gardening, and cooking for my family.

Q: What’s your go-to comfort food? French fries!

Professional Background

Q: How long have you worked at CCIA, and what is your role? I have been with CCIA for 14 years. I started as the Assistant Administrative Manager and am now the Director of Business Operations.

Q: What does CCIA do? CCIA is California’s State Seed Certifying Agency, based in Davis. Our goal is to ensure the production of high-quality seed through a voluntary third-party verification program. We evaluate varieties for pest resistance, adaptability, uniformity, quality, and yield. We also closely monitor seed production to prevent contamination from out-crossing, weeds, other crops, and disease.

Public Service & Industry Involvement

Q: How does CCIA contribute to public outreach? We offer scholarships to students pursuing plant science or agriculture degrees. We also help with the FFA Agronomy Field Day and UC Davis programs. Personally, I am very involved with 4-H and FFA, working to promote agriculture among young people.

Q: How long have you been involved with PSA? CCIA has been a PSA member since the early 2000s, even before I joined the CCIA team. I’ve been attending since 2011 and have served on the scholarship and convention committees since 2016.

Q: What advice would you give to new PSA members? Get involved with a committee! It’s rewarding, and you’ll meet a great group of people while learning more about the seed industry.

Agriculture & Career Insights

Q: What do you love most about the seed industry? The people! The relationships I’ve built in this industry are second to none.

Q: What advice would you give someone interested in agriculture? Jump in with both feet. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try something new. Hard work and integrity will take you far.

Q: What do you love most about your job? I enjoy the connections I make—bringing people together to solve problems and create opportunities in agriculture.

Q: What roles led you to your current position? I worked as a lecturer and research associate at Chico State University, College of Agriculture, before transitioning into human resources as an HR manager at a law firm. My agricultural background and HR experience have been invaluable in my career at CCIA.