After building a career in state government, legislative affairs and local government advocacy, Kristina Gallagher is helping shape the next chapter of Madera County’s economy. Since becoming executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission (MCEDC) in 2024, Gallagher has focused on attracting new investment, supporting local businesses and building partnerships that strengthen the county’s long-term economic future.
In this Executive Profile, Gallagher discusses her career journey, the opportunities and challenges facing Madera County, and the personal experiences that continue to shape her leadership.
What we do:
We work to position Madera County as an economically viable and vibrant county by aggressively pursuing growth avenues for new and existing businesses, thereby maximizing employment opportunities, the tax base and the quality of life.
What are your roots in the Central Valley?
Kristina Gallagher: I moved to Madera County from Galt, California, in 2024 to accept the executive director position with the MCEDC. In my previous position, I had the opportunity to work with county leaders throughout the Central Valley and grew to understand the issues they faced and found that their values closely aligned with my own.
I ultimately decided to put down roots and purchased a home. The strong sense of community, family and excellent schools made it an easy decision. I knew it was the right place to raise my daughter, and I couldn’t be happier to call Madera County home.
Tell us about your career.
My career path took an unexpected turn because of a deeply personal tragedy. In April 2023, my husband and the father of my daughter was killed in a horrific car accident. That loss changed my life and everything I had ever known.
When the opportunity at MCEDC came along, I knew it was the right next step. Moving from Galt to Madera meant leaving behind everything familiar, but it also gave me and my daughter a chance for a new beginning. While I continue to navigate that loss, I’m grateful for the welcoming community and renewed sense of purpose I’ve found here.
Before joining MCEDC, I worked for the California State Association of Counties, where I worked on legislation and secured state funding for housing and transportation initiatives. I also worked at a Sacramento lobbying firm representing local governments, nonprofit organizations and trade associations, and earlier in my career served in Gov. Jerry Brown’s constituent affairs unit.
Looking back, each step of my career has prepared me for this role. Housing, transportation, business and the political environment are all interconnected, and each plays a vital role in economic development.
Tell us about your current position.
A huge part of my job is bringing people together at the table. I work closely with businesses, developers, state and local government officials to build partnerships and advance initiatives that create opportunities that benefit the entire community.
My primary focus is business attraction, expansion and retention. I work with local businesses to understand their challenges, identify solutions and connect them with resources that help them remain and grow in Madera County.
How would you describe the current economic landscape in Madera County and the opportunities you see ahead?
I believe we’re at such an exciting moment in Madera County’s history. While many communities across California have experienced slower housing and population growth, Madera County continues to thrive, ranking second in the state for housing growth and third for population growth, according to the California Department of Finance.
At the same time, we are not immune to the challenges facing rural communities across California. Inflation, unfunded state mandates and an evolving political landscape continue to impact businesses and economic development efforts.
We need to continue advocating for policies that support sustainable growth, job creation and the business community.
What role does MCEDC play in strengthening the county’s economic future?
MCEDC’s role is to support our existing businesses while also attracting new opportunities to Madera County.
Although we’re a small team of three, we accomplish a great deal by working closely with our local governments, business community and regional partners. Our business assistance and office manager oversees business support programs, while our manager of business development and marketing leads our marketing and community engagement efforts.
What has been your most rewarding part of serving as executive director?
It has been the opportunity to build relationships and advocate for Madera County.
One accomplishment I’m proud of was organizing MCEDC’s legislative mission to Sacramento, where several of our board members met with state legislators to share Madera County’s opportunities, challenges and priorities.
I was also honored to help Gimme Health Foods Inc. secure the highly competitive CalCompetes Tax Credit, which will help create jobs and strengthen our local economy.
What are some of the challenges you have faced so far in your career?
Like in any career, there are always challenges, but I’ve learned how important it is to have people who believe in your potential.
Sometimes it only takes one person to offer encouragement or take a chance on you. I’ve been really fortunate to have a supportive family, along with mentors and leaders who have helped guide me throughout my career.
What was your very first job, and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a teacher’s aide at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center’s preschool in La Jolla during my college summer breaks. I loved working with kids and had the best time, but it definitely taught me patience.
Any hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my daughter and playing tennis.
Fun fact: I earned a full-ride tennis scholarship to Utah State University, and I still love getting out on the court whenever I have the chance.
https://thebusinessjournal.com/kristina-gallagher-madera-county-economic-development-commission/