Farm Hands West: O’Brien departs CDFA, Howard promoted at Family Tree Farms, Capespan North America hires Messmer and Berlinger, FCIC board members removed

California Department of Food and Agriculture deputy secretary for legislative affairs, Rachael O’Brien, has left the department to become vice president of government relations at the California Grocers Association. Capespan North America hired Craig Messmer and Ashley Berlinger as sales executives. At least two members of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation board of directors, who were appointed by former Ag Sec. Tom Vilsack to serve four-year terms, were removed last week via a letter from Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce. Ryan Howard was promoted to North American sales director at Family Tree Farms.