The Irrigation Association welcomes three new industry leaders to the IA Board of Directors. Their combined experience represents the diversity of the industry and commitment to helping growers, contractors and communities to use water more efficiently.
The new directors are:
- Tyler Fields, senior director of global water delivery at Valmont Industries
- Jonathan Lauer, CIC, CLIA, CEO of Pro Outdoor
- A.J. van de Ven, president and CEO of Calsense
Their terms began at the end of the 2025 Irrigation Show & Education Week, where industry leaders gathered to address evolving challenges and opportunities across irrigation markets.
With 15 elected directors, the IA Board of Directors represents a cross-section of member types and market segments from manufacturing and technology to contracting and service, ensuring that strategic decisions reflect the full scope of the industry. The addition of these three directors strengthens that mix, bringing hands-on perspectives in global water delivery, contractor operations and data-driven irrigation management.
Board members help guide and implement the IA’s long-term strategy, policies and programs while elevating the value irrigation professionals deliver to growers, communities and customers. As water scarcity, regulation and efficiency expectations continue to shape the market, the IA views strong and diverse governance as essential.
For growers, contractors and manufacturers alike, the board appointments align with the IA’s focus on responsible water use, objective, credible advocacy, and practical solutions that help irrigation businesses of all types adapt, compete and grow in a changing landscape.
