Governor Gavin Newsome | Twitter Website
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several key appointments to various state positions. Mark Tollefson from Rancho Cordova will serve as Chief Deputy Director at the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Tollefson's previous roles include Undersecretary of the California State Transportation Agency and Senior Counselor on Infrastructure and Fiscal Affairs in Governor Newsom's office. He holds an MBA in Finance from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor’s degree in Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis. His new role does not require Senate confirmation, with compensation set at $275,004.
Ken DaRosa of Sacramento has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety. DaRosa has experience as Chief Deputy Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and at the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery. He earned his Master’s degree in Literature and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. This position also bypasses Senate confirmation with a salary of $185,004.
Sloane Viola will take on the role of Chief Deputy Director at the California Conservation Corps. Previously serving as Deputy Director of Legislative and External Affairs since 2024, Viola has worked extensively within climate change roles across different state agencies. She is a member of American MENSA and holds advanced degrees in Ecology, Evolution, Marine Biology, and Aquatic Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her new position offers compensation of $170,004 without requiring Senate confirmation.
Mandi Bane is appointed as Deputy Director of Hazardous Waste Management at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. With prior experience as an Environmental Protection Specialist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency and various roles within Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Bane holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Michigan. Her appointment includes compensation totaling $199,128 without needing Senate confirmation.
Georgia “Pat” Urena continues her tenure on the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission where she has served since 2018. Urena brings extensive experience as a Recreation Supervisor for El Centro City alongside her roles with Calexico Wellness Center and Juvenile Justice Commission. Her reappointment requires Senate confirmation with compensation structured as $100 per diem.
These appointments reflect ongoing efforts by Governor Newsom to fill critical leadership positions within state agencies.
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