Introduction
Ignazio A. "Ig" Vella (July 13, 1928 – June 9, 2011) was an American businessman and cheese maker who served on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
Life, education, and career
Vella was born on July 13, 1928 to Gaetano "Tom" Vella and Zolita (Clerici) Vella of Sonoma, California.
He attended Sonoma Valley High School, the San Rafael Military Academy, and Air Force Officer Candidate School. In 1950, he graduated magna cum laude from Santa Clara University with bachelor's degree in history. His father owned Vella Cheese Company, Inc. in California and the Rogue Creamery in Oregon, which he turned over to his children. Ig took control of both companies and served as their general manager and chief executive officer. He sold Rogue Creamery in 2002.
In addition, Vella served three terms (twelve years) on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, where he represented the First District. He also served on the Sonoma City Planning Commission and as manager of the Sonoma County Fair. During the 1970s, he served as president of the Association of Bay Area Governments.
In 2006, Vella was honored by the City of Sonoma, which named the West Napa Street bridge over Sonoma Creek after him. In the same year, the American Cheese Society recognized Vella with a Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to artisan cheese.
After a prolonged illness, Vella died at his home in Sonoma, aged 83.