Governor Newsom announces new appointments to state boards

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several new appointments to various positions within California's state government.

Connie Nakano, from Elk Grove, has been appointed as the Assistant Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Equity at the Department of Aging. Nakano previously served as the Assistant Director of Communications at the same department since 2021. Her career includes roles such as Assistant Deputy of Communications at the California Transportation Commission and Public Information Officer at the California Department of Rehabilitation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and she will receive a compensation of $161,064. Nakano is affiliated with the Democratic Party.

Patrick Schoch, residing in Byron, has been appointed to serve on the 23rd District Agricultural Association Contra Costa County Fair Board. Schoch has been a Deputy Sheriff with the San Francisco Sheriff's Office since 1998 and has military experience from his service in both the United States Marine Corps and Coast Guard. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation and carries no compensation. Schoch is a Republican.

Jonathon Porter, from Tulare, will join the 24th District Agricultural Association Tulare County Fair Board. He currently works as a Risk Management Consultant at Nationwide and serves as Administrator for Machado Dairy & Farming Company Inc., having held multiple roles within Tulare County's government between 2020 and 2022. Porter holds an MBA in Agricultural Business from Quantic School of Business and Technology along with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from California State University, Fresno. Like Schoch's appointment, this role requires no Senate confirmation or compensation. Porter is registered without party preference.