Mistie Miller
Mistie Miller is an accomplished Intellectual Property Director with extensive global expertise in plant variety rights (PVR), trademarks, and licensing. At Sun World International, she leads IP strategy and execution across more than 17 markets, overseeing protection, retention, and enforcement of proprietary fruit genetics and high-value trademarks. Her work ensures secure market entry, manages IP risk, and supports the company’s long-term growth objectives through strategic partnerships with domestic and international counsel.
With a people-focused leadership style, Mistie excels at building collaborative, high-performing teams that bridge science, commercial, and legal functions. She is skilled in translating complex intellectual property frameworks into actionable strategies that protect value while driving business expansion. Her career spans over a decade of hands-on experience in legal, licensing, and IP management, including a strong foundation in paralegal work and contract negotiation.
Mistie’s professional contributions extend beyond her organization. She serves as Crop Lead for Table Grapes at CIOPORA, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the broader agricultural and IP community. A graduate of California State University, Bakersfield, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mistie combines analytical insight, strategic vision, and cross-cultural collaboration to deliver results in a highly specialized, global industry.
• California State University, Bakersfield - BA
• Crestpoint University
• CIOPORA
What do you attribute your success to?
I’ve had the opportunity to build global IP and compliance frameworks in environments where there isn’t a playbook, so I rely on context, candor, practical decision-making and, most of all, not being afraid to jump in. Resiliency and steadiness under pressure when aligning cross-functional and multicultural teams is critical because it’s those traits that deliver solutions that work in the real world.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Make the best decision you can with the information you have available. Don’t wait for perfect conditions because most progress comes from informed, timely decisions not flawless ones.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Agribusiness moves fast, favors decisiveness and is driven by credibility and long-standing relationships. When you understand the operational reality and the policies you become someone people go to when things get complex. Expertise is a fast equalizer.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Markets, regulations and supply chains are moving quickly. The challenge is navigating that complexity; the opportunity is creating alignment early so teams can move fast, and stay complaint.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Clarity, accountability and integrity. I value open communication, shared ownership and treating people well- whether I’m leading a global project or navigating personal relationships.
Locations
Sun World International
Bakersfield, CA 93305