Governor Newsom announces new state appointments

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments to various state positions. These appointments include roles in the Department of Rehabilitation, the Department of Developmental Services, and the California Environmental Protection Agency.

LaCandice Ochoa from Sacramento has been appointed as Deputy Director of the Independent Living and Community Access Division at the Department of Rehabilitation. Her career includes roles such as Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at the Office of the Chancellor of California Community Colleges since 2020, and Operations Manager for the Commission on Disability Access at the Department of General Services from 2018 to 2020. "This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $137,616," stated Governor Newsom's office. Ochoa is affiliated with several professional organizations and holds degrees from California State University, Northridge, and University of California, San Diego.

Aaron Christian from Chino will serve as Chief of Population Risk, Quality Assurance, and Data Operations at the Department of Developmental Services. Christian has been with this department since 2020 in various capacities including Deputy Director. His past experience also includes positions at San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center from 2010 to 2020. According to Newsom's office, "This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $187,104." Christian holds degrees from California State University, Northridge and University of Phoenix.

Sherri Miller from Sacramento has been named Special Assistant to the Secretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Previously she was Executive Office Manager at California High-Speed Rail Authority since 2023. Her earlier roles were with the California Department of Motor Vehicles between 2012 and 2019. The statement confirmed that "This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $108,000."

Jason Paguio from Coronado has been reappointed to serve on the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs where he has been active since 2022. Paguio also leads several business associations in San Diego. The announcement noted that "This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation."

Rajan Gill from Yuba City continues his role on the same commission where he has served since 2013 while working as a filmmaker and professor among other responsibilities. Like Paguio's role, "This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation," according to Newsom’s office.

These appointments reflect ongoing efforts by Governor Newsom’s administration to fill key state positions with experienced professionals across various sectors.