Senior Newsom Political Appointee Will Lead CGA’s Government Affairs Departments as Chief Lobbyist
The California Grocers Association is pleased to announce that Rachael O’Brien has been hired as Vice President, Government Relations, effective February 9, 2026.
In this position, O’Brien will serve as the Association’s chief lobbyist and be responsible for managing all aspects of CGA’s advocacy efforts. She will represent CGA member companies on strategic advocacy efforts before the State Legislature, regulatory agencies and local municipalities, as well as manage CGA’s government relations staff, contract lobbyists, and political action committee (PAC).
“Rachael will make an outstanding addition to the Association’s government relations program,” said President and CEO Ron Fong. “She is highly skilled in the legislative and regulatory process, an expert at policy negotiations and bill analysis, and maintains excellent relationships within the capitol community. Rachael knows what it takes to feed California and will be a key asset to the Association and its members.”
Prior to joining CGA, O’Brien served as Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the California Department of Food and Agriculture for eight years and was a Senior Political Appointee for Governors Brown and Newsom. She played a key role in leading state initiatives including California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, California Broadband Council, California Jobs First, and Farm to School Interagency Working Groups. Previously, she served as Manager of Government Affairs for Agricultural Council of California.
O’Brien graduated from CSU Monterey Bay with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International/Global Studies. She is currently a member of California Women Lead and recently served on the Board of Farms Food Future (F3). Previously, she served on the Capitol Network Board of Directors as President and was a mentor for SheShares.
Contact Rachael directly via email at robrien@cagrocers.com.