About Us

WCSA President – Kevin McDermott

Mr. Kevin McDermott started his career in the cotton industry in 1977 at Calcot, where he spent fifteen years and rose to the position of Vice President of Economic Research. During this time, he also served as Chief Economist for Amcot and played a significant role in formulating farm legislation, including the three-step competitiveness program. McDermott later transitioned to politics, running for the California State Senate. He was actively involved in organizing campaign activities for Representative William Marshall “Bill” Thomas, who chaired the House Ways and Means Committee from 2001 to 2007, and Representative Kevin McCarthy, who later became Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In 2005, McDermott returned to the cotton industry as senior vice president at Jess Smith and Sons Cotton. He has held leadership positions for two terms in the Western Cotton Shippers Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Cotton Shippers Association. McDermott is also dedicated to community service through the Lions Club, where he previously served as president of the Buttonwillow Lions Club and now serves as regional chairman for the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

He resides in Bakersfield, California, with his wife Nancy. They have four children and nine grandchildren.