Farm Hands West: Johnson to lead Healthy Rural California, Maloy to succeed LaMalfa as Western Caucus chair, Gilbert joins Valent U.S.A.

Healthy Rural California appointed Emmie Johnson as CEO. Valent U.S.A. hired Meggie Gilbert as a strategic farms sustainable solutions account manager. After the sudden death of California Rep. Doug LaMalfa, the Western Caucus elected Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy as chair. Elena Kuhn joined the office of California Sen. Adam Schiff as a senior communications adviser. Jackson Takach has taken on leadership responsibilities for the Farm & Ranch operating segment at FarmerMac. Oregon Rep. Andrea Salinas promoted Molly McTaggart to legislative director.