SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger), representing the 14th Senate district in California, today announced her leadership team. Selecting Aaron Skaggs to serve as Chief of Staff, Skaggs formerly joined as the Campaign Manager under the Melissa Hurtado for Senate race. 

“Aaron’s diverse background in public policy, the legislative process and community relations make him the ideal leader to guide our team,” said Senator Hurtado. “I have seen firsthand the passion he has for serving the communities in the Central Valley. His sincerity towards working with the people of Central Valley combined with his years of experience is incredibly valuable. I’m honored to have him part of our leadership team,” stated Senator Hurtado. 

Skaggs graduated from California State University, Chico with his bachelor’s degree in political science and earned his master’s degree in public administrations from University of Southern California. Prior to joining the team, Skaggs worked in the Capitol as a Legislative Director. Skaggs is currently on the executive board of the Chico State Alumni Association. 

Senator Hurtado’s leadership team for the 14th Senate district also includes: 

Maria R. Lemus has been appointed as the District Director. As the Co-Founder of the Education and Leadership Foundation in Fresno, California, Lemus spent the last 9 years advocating for expanding access to educational opportunities. In addition, Lemus worked with Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula on issues including health care, immigration, veterans’ affairs, and more. Graduating from California State University, Fresno, Lemus holds her bachelor’s degree in public health with a focus on community health and has completed her Cohort XII of the Health Leadership Program with the Sierra Health Foundation. She is currently a board member for Proteus, Inc. – focusing on providing education, job training, job placement and other support services to farm working families. 

Myriam Valdez has been named the Legislative Director for Senator Hurtado. Previously a policy and legislative advocate with Health Access California, Valdez worked on behalf of consumers on health care issues related to Medi-Cal, prescription drugs, oral health and state budget proposals. Valdez grew up in Arvin, graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with honors, is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar and a former California Senate Fellow. 

Shery Yang has been selected as the Communications Director. More recently, Yang managed public relations in the private-sector as well as worked for the National Wildlife Federation where she led a multi-state communications strategy on clean water issues. Prior to that, Yang worked with the California Trucking Association managing public relations for environmental, transportation, infrastructure and workforce development policies. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento with her bachelor’s degree in government. 

“I am beyond humbled for the opportunity to work with a group dedicated to serving the 14th Senate district,” said Skaggs. “The Central Valley is notably known for its dynamic community, tenacity in hard work and rich culture. I truly believe that our team is a great representation of the Valley and look forward to continuing the great work,” continued Skaggs. 

For more information, please visit https://sd14.senate.ca.gov/. 

About Senator Melissa Hurtado

Senator Melissa Hurtado is an advocate on expanding access to health care, growing educational opportunities and creating more quality jobs. Representing the 14th Senate district in California, which includes cities in Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties, Senator Hurtado was born in Fresno, California and raised in the City of Sanger.