RCRC Installs 2026 Officers and Recognizes Rural Leadership Award Recipients

​SACRAMENTO, CA – On Wednesday, January 21st, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) installed its 2026 Officers and presented its Rural Leadership Awards.

During a meeting of the Board of Directors, Assembly Member David Tangipa administered the official Oath of Office for the 2026 RCRC Officers. Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey was installed as Chair, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Bob Nelson as First Vice Chair, Napa County Supervisor Anne Cottrell as Second Vice Chair, and Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne as Immediate Past Chair. The newly installed 2026 Officers will lead the organization in championing policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.

“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to lead RCRC as Board Chair in 2026,” said Menetrey. “Building on the solid groundwork laid by past leaders, I am eager to join with fellow board members in advancing policies that strengthen rural communities and expand their opportunities. With collaboration, persistence, and a shared vision, we will continue striving for a prosperous and sustainable future for rural California.”

In the evening, at their annual reception in Sacramento, RCRC celebrated the new officers and presented its annual Rural Leadership Award to two public officials who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in rural issues and the unique challenges that rural communities face.

Assembly Member James Gallagher was honored as one of the two recipients of the Rural Leadership Award. Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne presented the award to the Assembly Member highlighting his steadfast advocacy on issues central to rural communities, including reducing insurance burdens, strengthening wildfire prevention, and championing equitable infrastructure investment. His legislative work—such as efforts to support small volunteer fire departments—reflects a consistent commitment to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by rural Californians.

“I’m truly honored to receive the RCRC Rural Leadership Award,” said Assembly Member James Gallagher. “I’ve been proud to be a voice for rural California in Sacramento—where too often one-size-fits-all policies overlook our unique needs, from dependable water supplies and wildfire resilience to cutting red tape that burdens our farmers and small businesses. I share this honor with the hardworking families of the Third District and look forward to continuing my partnership with RCRC to ensure rural California is heard and represented where it counts.”

Assembly Member Gregg Hart also received the Rural Leadership Award, presented to him at the event by Supervisor Bob Nelson. Assembly Member Hart was recognized 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. He has championed legislation that strengthens local government capabilities—from emergency remote meetings to waste recycling and enforcement tools—demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting rural communities.

“I’m honored to be recognized by the Rural County Representatives of California,” said Assembly Member Gregg Hart. “As a former Santa Barbara County Supervisor, I understand how decisions made in Sacramento directly impact rural counties. From preserving agricultural land to enhancing public safety, I remain committed to working with local leaders to improve quality of life in rural communities.”

The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a forty-member county service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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