Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several key appointments within California’s state departments. Adele Burnes of Berkeley has been named Chief at the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. She had been serving as Acting Chief since 2024 and Deputy Chief since 2021. Her previous roles include Regional Director of Apprenticeships for the Bay Area Community College Consortium and Senior Director of Operations and Strategic Planning at Year Up. Burnes holds advanced degrees from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, with a compensation set at $173,712.
Shrina Kurani from Riverside is appointed as Deputy Director of Venture Capital at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank. Previously a Venture Specialist at the same bank, Kurani also served as Managing Partner at SNØCAP and Vice President of Business at Republic. She earned her Master’s degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science from Lund University and her Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from UC Riverside. Her new role also does not require Senate confirmation, with a compensation of $165,000.
Tyler Sadwith from Richmond will take on the role of Chief Deputy Director of Health Care Programs at the California Department of Health Care Services while continuing his duties as State Medicaid Director. Sadwith has held various positions within the department since 2021, including Deputy Director of Behavioral Health. His past experience includes roles at Technical Assistance Collaborative Inc. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from Reed College. This appointment requires Senate confirmation, offering compensation of $216,000.
All appointees are registered Democrats.
