CDFA deputy secretary Kevin Masuhara was recognized this week for his years of service to agriculture with the James A. Graham Award from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). The award is given annually for outstanding work by state employees providing service to farmers and ranchers.
Masuhara is Deputy Secretary for Administration and Finance at CDFA, serving the people of California and all of agriculture through leadership development, process improvement, emergency preparedness, and equity advancement. In addition, he serves as Chief Operating Officer for the department overseeing an organizational structure of more than 1,700 employees located throughout California.
Masuhara’s past assignments at CDFA have included management positions involved with dairy pricing policy, oversight of agricultural commodity board activity, pest detection and exclusion programs, and liaison to California’s 58 counties carrying out regulatory programs at the local level.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross: “Congratulations to Kevin for this richly-deserved recognition. I wish to express my gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and leadership. He is a trusted confidant and role model for the Department as he has helped us adapt to changing times and kept us on point as we continue to serve agriculture and the people of California, most notably through his commitment to equity and making sure it’s the way we do business.”