Angelica Kaprielian, 34
Chief Financial & Operations Officer , Creekside Organics, Inc. , Bakersfield, CA
June 10, 2025 | 3 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Reedley, CA
Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Nature, Yoga, Ballroom Dancing, Traveling, Learning new languages
Family/Community: Street Dog Hero volunteer, Bend Parks and Rec Ice Hockey supporter
Motto in life: Real success is staying true to who you are.
Kaprielian is a dedicated finance and operations leader, playing a vital role in her company’s mission to keep family farms thriving. As a steward of her fourth-generation farming business, she ensures efficiency, financial stability, and long-term sustainability. Her operational excellence and behind-the-scenes leadership make a meaningful impact on her team and the produce industry.
She began her career in 2012 as a mechanical engineer at Syska Hennessy Group. After excelling in this sector, she transitioned into the finance world in 2017, joining Fruit World Company, where she eventually took on the role of finance and business operations manager. Over more than six years, she led budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial initiatives, driving profitability and operational efficiency. In January 2025, she led the successful merger of Fruit World and Creekside Organics, and assumed the role of chief financial and operations officer.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
I grew up on a tree fruit orchard, so produce was a part of my life from the beginning. Encouraged to pursue a career outside of farming, I built a career in engineering and project management. After six years in that space, I was ready for a change and my sister convinced me to help with some part-time accounting for Fruit World, our family’s produce sales company. I didn’t realize she was slowly roping me in to eventually take over the finance department, and become an owner of the company. It’s been incredibly rewarding to combine my technical and management background with my passion.
Q: What do you know now you wish you knew when you first started your career?
I wish I had known that your career path doesn’t have to be linear to be successful. Early on, I felt pressure to follow the engineering trajectory since that is what I went to university for, but some of my most valuable growth came when I pivoted. I’ve learned that it’s OK to evolve, follow your instincts, and let your values guide your choices.
Q: What is the one thing in your business that you are most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about advancing sustainable and organic agriculture, and its impact on the health of people and the planet. Working within a company whose values are rooted in sustainability and stewardship gives my work a sense of purpose. Every decision we make — from the way we grow our fruit to how we package and distribute it — has the potential to support healthier ecosystems and communities. I believe in the power of organics not just as a business model, but as a commitment to future generations.
Q: What do you think consumers will desire in the future?
Consumers will increasingly seek transparency, sustainability, and a deeper connection to where their food comes from. They’ll want to understand the impact their purchasing decisions have on the environment and their health.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is leading the successful merger of Fruit World and Creekside Organics. It’s been a complex process that requires aligning financial systems, company cultures and operational strategies, while keeping the business running smoothly. I’ve been working closely with both ownership teams to ensure transparency, clear communication, and a shared vision for the future.
NOMINEES
