Melanie Martella Chiesa (59) is an optometrist in private practice at Ceres Eye Care in Ceres, California. Dr. Martella Chiesa is Chair of the Employee Benefits and Compensation Committee, a member of the Loan and Investment Committee, and Compliance Committee. Dr. Martella Chiesa is a lifelong resident of Hughson, California where she is a partner in her family s walnut and almond farming operations. She is an owner and board member of Martella Farms, Inc., Ag Commodities, Grower Direct Nut, Inc., ARK Development and Nutty Gourmet Nut Company. Dr. Martella Chiesa is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Martella Chiesa also received Bachelor of Science degrees in food science and nutrition, functional biology and visual sciences. Dr. Martella Chiesa is passionate about local community and philanthropy. She, along with her husband, founded the Ciara Chiesa Circle of Hope Fund. Melanie is also a past Director of the Stanislaus Community Foundation, chaired their Board, Executive Governance, and Scholarship Committee and continues to serve on the Asset Development and Governance Committees, as well as the Leadership in Education & Ag Fund. Dr. Martella Chiesa also served as a trustee for the Gallo Center for the Arts. Along with leadership and private business knowledge, Dr. Martella Chiesa brings to the Board an understanding of agriculture, healthcare, philanthropy and issues of the Central Valley of California, which is one of Westamerica Bank s primary markets.