Maria Gallegos Herrera began serving as California State Director for USDA Rural Development in June 2022, after serving as the Central California Regional Director of External Affairs for the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Gallegos Herrera previously worked as a Community Development Manager at Self-Help Enterprises, a nationally recognized community development organization dedicated to working with low-income families to build and sustain healthy communities. Prior to her time at Self-Help Enterprises, she held positions at the Community Water Center and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Throughout her career, she has tackled water contamination and shortages, improved access to government, and worked to create resilient and sustainable communities through relationship building, community organizing, advocacy, legislation, and technical assistance. Gallegos Herrera also served on the California Water Commission from 2015 to 2019 and was the recipient of the 2019 Rachel’s Network Inaugural Catalyst Award.