Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several key appointments across various departments in California. These appointments include positions within environmental health, corrections and rehabilitation, natural resources, emergency services, water commission, horse racing board, and state mining and geology board.
Kristina “Kris” Thayer has been appointed as the Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Previously, she served at the United States Environmental Protection Agency and has numerous roles in environmental health sciences. Thayer holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri and B.Sc. in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Her new role requires Senate confirmation, with compensation set at $217,000. Thayer is affiliated with the Democratic Party.
In the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Jason D. Johnson has been appointed as the Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson has extensive experience in parole operations, having held various senior roles within the organization since 2006. He holds an MBA from the University of Redlands and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. His position requires Senate confirmation, with annual compensation of $239,796. He is a Democrat.
Joshua Prudhel has been designated as the Warden of Sierra Conservation Center. His career spans various roles within the state’s correctional facilities since 2002, including positions such as Correctional Sergeant and Captain. Prudhel’s appointment does not require Senate confirmation, and he earns $193,524 annually. He is a Republican.
Megan Mekelburg will serve as the Deputy Secretary for Legislation at the California Natural Resources Agency. She has prior experience as Deputy Appointments Secretary in Governor Newsom’s office and several legislative roles in the California State Senate. Her salary in the new role is $160,008, and Senate confirmation is not required. Mekelburg is a Democrat.
Matthew Sage is appointed as the Commander of the State Threat Assessment Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. He has served as Deputy Commander within the same office and has a background in intelligence with the Department of the Army. His position also does not need Senate confirmation and offers compensation of $161,062. Sage is registered without party preference.
Davina Hurt joins the California Water Commission. She brings experience as the California Climate Policy Director at Pacific Environment and held civic roles in Belmont, ranging from Mayor to City Councilmember. Her role requires Senate confirmation, and she will receive $100 per diem. Hurt is a Democrat.
Peter Stern is now a member of the California Horse Racing Board. His varied experience includes positions with the California State Lottery Commission and various executive roles in tech start-ups. Senate confirmation is required, and he will be paid $100 per diem. Stern is registered without party preference.
Lastly, Dyan Whyte has been named to the California State Mining and Geology Board. She has prior roles at the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Dataway US. This position requires Senate confirmation, with the same $100 per diem compensation. Whyte is affiliated with the Democratic Party.
These appointments demonstrate Governor Newsom’s ongoing commitment to bolstering experienced leadership within California’s public service sectors.
