John Krist, a senior editor, opinion columnist and award-winning journalist with The Star, will be the next chief executive officer of the Ventura County Farm Bureau.

"This is like going back to my roots," said Krist. "I grew up on a farm in Northern California and I've been writing about farming for quite a long time. I know a lot about the business here and I have a great deal of respect and affection for the role it plays in Ventura County."

Krist, 49, will take the helm of the independent nonprofit organization that advocates for the agricultural industry in February, when Chief Executive Officer Rex Laird retires.

Laird, who has headed the group for 28 years, will remain in a sort of emeritus status helping with the transition.

Krist's insight into the obstacles facing the industry will help in the coming years, Laird said.

"John is well-equipped to help the Farm Bureau of Ventura County and the industry provide the necessary leadership to face the many issues that lie ahead," he said.

Krist recognizes that the coming decade poses profound challenges for farmers in Ventura County. As a journalist, his job reporting on many of those issues required that he remain an observer. His new job allows him to become a participant.

"(As a reporter) you have to stand on sidelines. You're not supposed to get involved," said Krist, whose last day at the paper is Dec. 26.

He now will be fighting for an issue that's close to his heart. While he is transitioning to a new job, Krist will remain a fixture in the community. Krist lives in Ventura with his wife, Jean, a school teacher. The couple have a son and daughter in college.

As CEO of the Farm Bureau, Krist's role will be to manage daily operations and budget of the nonprofit, as well as recommend policies to the organization's board of directors. He would not reveal his salary, but said it was a substantial bump up from what he is being paid as a journalist. In 2005, Laird's salary was $91,000 a year, according to organization's tax filings.

The Farm Bureau is a member of the California Farm Bureau Federation, a statewide organization with chapters in each of the state's 56 counties. The organization promotes agriculture policies and fosters community action meant to protect the industry.

Krist has some regrets about leaving journalism, but he also felt it was time for him to move on.

"I've gotten to do so many great things," Krist said. "It's been a great ride. I've gotten a lot of encouragement from the folks at The Star."

But as he nears 50 and sees the newspaper industry changing, Krist said he felt it was time to move on.

"The journalism business is different now and I'm at an age when I'm looking for new challenges," he said.

In The Star's newsroom, where Krist has worked since graduating from UC Santa Barbara in 1983, the announcement was met with regret.

Editor and Vice President Joe Howry said he had great respect for the veteran journalist, who helped train and mold young reporters.

"I think John is one of the most talented journalists I've ever worked with," said Howry.