RCRC gathered at its annual reception on Wednesday, January 21, to celebrate the RCRC 2026 Officers and to honor the recipients of the 2025 Rural Leadership Awards.
The Rural Leadership Awards are presented to two public officials who have demonstrated an understanding of, and distinctive leadership regarding rural county issues. RCRC honored Assembly Member James Gallagher (AD-03), for his steadfast advocacy on issues central to rural communities, including reducing insurance burdens, strengthening wildfire prevention, and championing equitable infrastructure investment. The second recipient, Assembly Member Gregg Hart (AD-37), was honored for his consistent accessibility to rural counties and his clear understanding of their needs, informed by his experience as a former county supervisor and his work on key legislative committees.
The 2026 RCRC Officers were installed during the Board of Directors meeting earlier that day, with the official Oath of Office administered by Assembly Member David Tangipa (AD-08). RCRC Chair, Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey; First Vice Chair, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Bob Nelson; Second Vice Chair, Napa County Supervisor Anne Cottrell; and Immediate Past Chair, Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne, were recognized at the reception for leading the organization in championing policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.
Read the full press release here.