California Forestry Assn. Chairman Arne Hultgren has announced former Asm. Rich Gordon was hired as the association’s president and CEO effective July 17. Gordon served three terms in the Assembly representing portions of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties before terming out in 2016. He campaigned for a Board of Equalization seat until he withdrew his candidacy in early May. At the beginning of the year he was announced as the new government relations officer for the nonprofit Caminar for Mental Health and will depart from that position June 30. He also was named to the the board of directors for Sempervirens Fund, a nonprofit for preserving redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and will continue in that role “so long as there are no conflicts of interest.” In the new job, Gordon will be at the Capitol representing: “more than 4 million acres of private and family-owned forests; 95 percent of the State’s forest product manufacturers; producers of renewable biomass energy and forestry-related professionals.” He will succeed David Bischel, who is retiring. Contact: Lindsay VanLaningham 916 444 6592.