Santa Rosa, CA – Andrea Rodriguez has been hired as Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Government Relations Director.
Rodriguez brings extensive experience in Sonoma County, most recently serving as Sonoma State University’s Director of Government and Community Relations. In the eight years she held this position, she was part of the University Affairs Division serving as the liaison between the university and government agencies and officials at the local and state level. She represented SSU as a community partner, working with local organizations, chambers of commerce and non-profit groups.
Prior to her role at SSU, Rodriguez spent five years as the Marketing and Special Events Director for the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County where she oversaw organizational marketing for direct service programs, recognition events and communication with donors. She oversaw all aspects of fundraising events and was part of an executive team responsible for raising more than $3 million annually.
Her additional experience includes working as an Associate for Consensus Planning Group, a field representative for United States Senator Dianne Feinstein and a Senior Legislative Representative for the Independent Community Bankers Association in Washington D.C.
Rodriguez holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Whittier College and an M.A. in Organization Development from Sonoma State University.
“Sonoma County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce this new staff position as we continue to enhance our service to members,” said Kim Vail, executive director of Sonoma County Farm Bureau. “We believe Andrea’s experience and skillset will be highly valuable to our organization’s efforts to protect and progress agriculture throughout the county.”
In her role as Government Relations Director, Rodriguez is responsible for monitoring and coordinating government relations activities with regard to influencing policy and regulations relating to agriculture and member interests. She will cultivate relationships with elected and appointed officials, monitor development of county ordinances and recommend actions based upon adopted policy.
Rodriguez lives with her husband and two children in Santa Rosa.
“I’m excited to join the Farm Bureau and support the Sonoma County agriculture community in their advocacy efforts,” said Rodriguez.
Sonoma County Farm Bureau, a non-profit grassroots organization, was founded in 1917 and has been representing the interests of farmers and land owners in Sonoma County for 100 years. Sonoma County Farm Bureau is a membership driven organization dedicated to preserving and protecting agriculture in Sonoma County.
