Leslie Garcia became passionate about this industry early in her childhood while attending a school with a working non-profit farm which provided suburban students access to agriculture and environmental conservation. The environment, agriculture, and sustainability remain topics of interest throughout her life and career. These interests led to a Bachelor of Science at San Francisco State University for environmental studies and a Master of Arts in geography with a focus on environmental law and policy. For over 20 years, Leslie has managed projects, teams, and worked with multiple stakeholders internal and external. Leslie has developed regulatory strategies to support product registration with EPA and other lead state agencies to support grower needs and business planning. Leslie also supports corporate sustainability initiatives and leads stewardship activities to support Valent’s diverse product portfolio which includes biological, botanical, and conventional chemistry products.

Leslie is also active across the industry representing Valent in several leadership positions with CropLife America, Ag Container Recycling Council, America’s Conservation in Ag Movement and many others.

Leslie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. As an avid community leader, she is part of several local boards and volunteers with multiple organizations. In her free time, Leslie looks forward to visiting national parks, international travel, and she is always ready to eat something she hasn’t tried before.