Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) today announced Emily Hytha has been named communications director for the committee.

Hytha, a California native, will replace outgoing communications director Rachel Millard. Hytha has led Conaway’s personal office communications team for the past five years. Additionally, when Conaway was tapped to serve as the lead member of the House Intelligence Committee’s Russia probe in 2017, Hytha also ran point on communications for the fourteen month-long investigation. Prior to joining his team, Hytha served as then-Congressman Cory Gardner’s Communications Director during his 2014 Senate victory and prior to that, held the position of Communications Director for the Congressional Western Caucus. Hytha will continue serving as communications director for both Conaway’s personal and committee offices.

“Emily is a trusted advisor and seasoned communications professional and will be a tremendous asset to our team at the committee,” said Conaway. “Having served the last five years in my personal office, Emily is well-equipped to hit the ground running. Her leadership will be vital as the committee continues addressing the numerous challenges facing farm country and rural America.”

Millard, who joined the committee ahead of the 2018 Farm Bill, will be departing the committee for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Before joining the committee, Millard handled public affairs and corporate communications strategy at the Glover Park Group. Prior to that, she spent six years working for Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) in his leadership and personal offices where she served as communications director, on-the-record spokesperson and senior advisor to Thune.

“Rachel joined the committee at a pivotal time – just before Congress turned its attention to the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Conaway. “Throughout the two-year sprint, Rachel led the messaging for all areas of the farm bill – from farm policy to trade to rural development to nutrition policy. I thank Rachel for her exceptional service to the men and women of rural America and wish her well in her new endeavors.”