Governor Gavin Newsome | Facebook Website
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments to various positions within California's state departments and commissions. These appointments cover roles in child support services, public health, legislative affairs, real estate services, education, unemployment insurance appeals, government operations, behavioral health oversight, and agricultural associations.
Melissa Stone from Elk Grove has been appointed as Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Child Support Services. Stone has an extensive background with the Employment Development Department and the Franchise Tax Board. Her new role does not require Senate confirmation.
Stephanie Weldon from McKinleyville will serve as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. Weldon brings experience from United Indian Health Services and the California Department of Social Services. This position requires Senate confirmation.
Melissa Gear also from Elk Grove has been named Deputy Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs at the Department of Health Care Access and Information. Gear's previous roles include work with the California Department of Consumer Affairs and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System.
Daniel Millsap from Folsom is appointed as Deputy Director of the Real Estate Services Division at the California Department of General Services. Millsap has held several positions related to construction supervision and project management in state departments.
Katie Hardeman from Sacramento takes on the role of Chief Deputy Executive Director at the State Board of Education. Hardeman’s background includes advocacy for the California Teachers Association and consulting for legislative committees.
Richard Roth from Riverside joins the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board after serving as a State Senator until 2024. Roth's career spans law practice and military service in addition to his political tenure.
Seanna Griffis from Sacramento becomes Special Assistant to both Secretary and Undersecretary at the Government Operations Agency. Griffis' career includes work with legislative management at various state agencies.
Christopher Contreras from Northridge is appointed to a commission overseeing Behavioral Health Services Oversight without compensation or need for Senate confirmation.
Makenzie Cross also joins this commission bringing experience as a youth leader with KAI Partners.
Robert Callan Jr., based in San Francisco, continues his involvement with real estate through his appointment to this commission without requiring Senate confirmation or receiving compensation.
Jody Kolbach from Watsonville is now part of Santa Cruz Fair Board under similar terms regarding confirmation and compensation requirements.
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