Rural County Representatives of California 2025 Officers, from left to right, are Immediate Past Chair Chris Lopez, Second Vice-Chair Bob Nelson, Chair Geri Byrne, and First Vice-Chair Miles Menetrey. Photo courtesy of Rural County Representatives of California

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) installed its 2025 Officers and presented its Rural Leadership Awards.

During a meeting of the Board of Directors, Congressman Doug LaMalfa administered the official Oath of Office for the 2025 Rural County Representatives of California Officers. Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne was installed as Chair, Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey as First Vice-Chair, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Bob Nelson as Second Vice-Chair, and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez as Immediate Past Chair. The newly installed 2025 Officers will lead the organization in championing policies on behalf of California's rural counties.

"I am excited to build on the strong foundation laid by past RCRC leadership and work alongside my fellow county leaders to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural California,” said Supervisor Byrne. “Together, we will advocate for policies that support our communities and ensure a prosperous future for all residents."

In the evening, at their annual reception in Sacramento, Rural County Representatives of California 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.

Rural County Representatives of California Rural Leadership Award Recipient Assemblymember Tom Lackey stands with Rural County Representatives of California Board Second Vice-Chair and Santa Barbara County Supervisor Bob Nelson. Photo courtesy of Rural County Representatives of California

Senator Ben Allen was honored as one of the two recipients of the Rural Leadership Award. While unable to attend due to the devastating fires occurring in Southern California, the award was still presented by El Dorado County Supervisor Lori Parlin to honor the Senator’s outstanding contributions supporting rural communities. As Chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, his leadership has been pivotal in securing legislative relief, enhanced flexibility, and critical funding for rural counties, particularly in solid waste management, organic waste processing, and recycling initiatives. Additionally, Senator Allen championed substantial legislation and funding for wildfire prevention and response.

“Even though I represent a largely urban county, I have always tried hard to understand the needs of rural communities and engage with their representatives in Sacramento. I’m proud of the strong working relationship that I’ve developed with RCRC and am proud to have been honored by my friends and partners at RCRC with this important award! Our rural counties provide a vital service to so many Californians and I will always take their perspectives and positions into account as I do my policy work,” said Senator Allen.

Assemblymember Tom Lackey also received the Rural Leadership Award, presented to him at the event by Supervisor Nelson. Assemblymember Lackey was recognized for his unwavering advocacy on behalf of rural counties, championing issues such as local government funding, organic waste implementation, programmatic CEQA reform, public safety, and local control, while leveraging his local government experience to ensure rural priorities are addressed at the state level.

“It is a profound honor to receive the Rural Leadership Award from RCRC. Rural communities are the backbone of California, contributing immensely to our state’s economy, culture, and identity. Yet, too often, their unique challenges are overshadowed in state-level discussions. I am dedicated to ensuring that rural voices are heard, their needs addressed, and their futures safeguarded. Our rural regions deserve not just attention, but meaningful action," said Lackey.

Pictured here is Rural County Representatives of California Rural Leadership Award Recipient Senator Ben Allen. Photo courtesy of Rural County Representatives of California

About Rural County Representatives of California

The Rural County Representatives of California is a 40-member county service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. Rural County Representatives of California 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 Rural County Representatives of California, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.