Katherine Vanderwall appointed county agricultural commissioner/sealer
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors has appointed a new agricultural commissioner, a Lake County native who also will be the first woman to hold the position.
The board emerged from closed session at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, to announce the appointment of Katherine Vanderwall as agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Her appointment is effective Feb. 12.
She will succeed Steve Hajik, Lake County’s longest-serving agricultural commissioner. Hajik retires in February after 20 years of service in the job.
Born and raised in Lake County, Vanderwall brings experience, insight and lived-in local perspective. She is also a highly connected and respected statewide authority. This combination carries great promise for a critical local industry, the county reported.
“Agriculture is a key facet of Lake County’s economy, and it is important to have a Commissioner in place that understands the unique opportunities and challenges our local farmers experience,” said Board Chair Eddie Crandell. “No one could be better positioned to step into this role than Katherine, and we are very excited she has stepped up to serve Lake County communities in this new and expanded way.”
For the past five years, Vanderwall has served as deputy agricultural commissioner and sealer of weights and measures, supporting the work of the department she will soon lead.
In total, she has been in service with the county of Lake for 14 years, starting as an entry-level biologist. Over that time, she has worked hard to expand her qualifications and contributions to her department and County residents.
Now, Vanderwall is fully licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture as both an Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures.
She is a past president of the California Association of Standards and Agricultural Professionals and received the association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2021. Vanderwall also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis, and earned a Senior Executive Credential from the California State Association of Counties’ CSAC Institute, also in 2021.
Many county residents and leaders know Vanderwall from her service on the Executive Board for Lake County’s 4H program and her annual Ag Venture presentations.
“It was a great privilege for me to make the Motion to appoint Katherine to this critical County leadership role,” enthuses Tina Scott, vice chair and District 4 supervisor. “She brings a strong theoretical understanding and lived-in, local experience. Our board is truly looking forward to seeing how the relationships and knowledge Katherine has developed will benefit all Lake County residents in the years to come.”
As commissioner and sealer, Vanderwall will build on effective partnerships with local farmers, gas station and grocery store owners and staff and other stakeholders to promote sustainable success.
Vanderwall said she will be able to hit the ground running because of her experience and familiarity with the programs the department administers and the relationships that have been built.
She said her previous work has given her the opportunity to promote agriculture, as well as protect consumers by building equity in the marketplace.
Serving her home County in such a vital role is truly a logical next step for Vanderwall.
“I sincerely care for the well-being of the communities we serve and staff in the department,” Vanderwall said.