Healthy Rural California appointed Emmie Johnson as the group’s new CEO. She was previously chief strategy officer at Physicians for a Healthy California. Earlier, she held roles with the California Medical Association, APCO Worldwide and PhRMA. Johnson also founded her own public affairs firm – EMJ Public Affairs – in 2015 focused on strategic communication and public affairs consultancy.
Valent U.S.A. hired Meggie Gilbert as a strategic farms sustainable solutions account manager. Based in Clovis, California, she will focus on the continued growth of Valent’s sustainable solutions business unit and deepening partnerships with large-scale farming organizations across the western United States. Previously Gilbert was an area manager for BASF Nunhems where she led the company’s vegetable seed business on the West Coast.
Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah (U.S. House of Representatives photo)After the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., the Western Caucus elected Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, by unanimous consent as chair. LaMalfa was an advocate for western issues related to public lands, water, agriculture, and energy. Maloy represents Utah’s second district which includes Salt Lake City and parts of the west and southwest area of the state as well as four national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands.
Elena Kuhn joined the office of Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., as a senior communications adviser. She was previously special assistant to the president and a senior communications officer during the Biden administration. Kuhn supported then-House speaker Nancy Pelosi as a press adviser.
Jackson Takach has taken on leadership responsibilities for the Farm & Ranch operating segment at FarmerMac. He has been with the group for more than two decades, recently as chief economist and vice president of strategy, research and analytics.
Ashley McFarland is the new president and CEO of the American Malting Barley Association. She has been the group’s vice president and technical director for the past four years. Earlier McFarland was executive director of Dovetail Partners. She succeeds Scott Heisel, who will retire in April.
House Ag Committee member Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., promoted Molly McTaggart to legislative director. She has been with the office for two and a half years.
Garrett Brown was promoted to communications director for Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont. He has been with the office since 2023.
William Klepp was promoted to legislative aide in the office of Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif. He’s been with the office nearly a year.
The House Agriculture Committee's Republican staff made promotions and added a new staff member. Kyle Upton was promoted to senior legislative assistant and will be responsible for cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence and Commodity Futures Trading Commission issues. Upton has been with the committee for two years. Austin Deberry was promoted to legislative assistant focused on commodities and livestock issues. Hannah Otte was hired as staff assistant. She was previously an intern in the office of committee member Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa.
Interested in more news on California agriculture, labor, water and rural issues? Sign up for a four-week free trial to Agri-Pulse West. You’ll receive our content - absolutely free - during the trial period.
Jed Bullock, formerly chief of program administration for USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, is now a senior policy and appropriations associate for Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, focused on food and agriculture issues. Earlier in his career, Bullock worked for Rep. Pedro Pierluisi, D-P.R., and the House Natural Resources Committee.
Abby Davidson (LinkedIn photo)The National Association of Counties promoted Abby Davidson to chief research officer, a role on the senior leadership team. Before joining the group nearly a year ago, Davidson worked for The Aspen Institute.
The American Council on Renewable Energy hired new staff. Colin Meehan, who previously worked for the World Wildlife Fund, was named vice president for grid campaigns. Chris Higginbotham was hired as vice president of communications. He was previously press officer at the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Alisa Fox, who previously worked at the Rocky Mountain Institute, was named director of grid campaigns. Additionally, Claire Stirling was named director of events️, and Allie Chapman was hired as manager of policy and engagement.
Sarah Novak joined Zinpro Corp. as director of global industry relations and market intelligence. She was chief operating officer at the American Feed Industry Association for the last 18 years. Earlier in her career, Novak worked for the U.S. Grains Council.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association promoted Denny Atchley to associate director of membership and affiliate services. A Texas Tech University graduate, Atchley has been with the group for two years, recently in a manager role.
Altria hired Alex Siciliano as senior director of public affairs and public policy. He was previously senior vice president of communications at the National Association of Broadcasters. Earlier, Siciliano worked for Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis.
Are you changing jobs, getting promoted or receiving an award? Know someone who is? Email Lydia@Agri-Pulse.com to be featured in next week’s edition of Farm Hands on the Potomac.
