Governor Newsom announces new appointments to key state positions

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several new appointments to key positions within California's state agencies and boards. These appointments include Alana Mathews, Edward Fenn, Joanna Rees, and Angel Sanchez.

Alana Mathews of Elk Grove will serve as Deputy Secretary of Enforcement and General Counsel at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Mathews has held various roles in law and policy, including Assistant District Attorney at the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office since 2022 and Adjunct Professor at the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law since 2020. Her extensive experience includes positions with the Prosecutors Alliance of California, the California State Assembly, and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. She holds a Juris Doctor degree and a Master of Laws from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. This role does not require Senate confirmation and offers compensation of $227,028.

Edward Fenn from Boulder City, Nevada has been appointed Chief of Construction at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Fenn's career spans multiple senior roles in construction management with companies such as Brightline West Trains and The Lane Construction Corporation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University. His position also does not require Senate confirmation with compensation set at $375,000.

Joanna Rees from Healdsburg joins the California Workforce Development Board. Rees brings experience as Chairman at West Global since 2023 and Managing Partner roles at various ventures including West Ventures and VSP Capital. She is involved with several boards including Illumyn Impact and Endeavor Global. Rees earned her MBA from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Duke University. This appointment requires no Senate confirmation with compensation being $100 per diem.

Angel Sanchez from Riverside is also appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Sanchez serves as President of Phenix Gateway since 2024 and CEO of Phenix Technology Inc., where he has worked since 2012 in various capacities such as Director of Global Operations. His background includes significant tenure at Bank of America across multiple leadership roles. Sanchez graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from California Baptist University; his position offers $100 per diem without needing Senate confirmation.

These appointments reflect Governor Newsom's ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership across state agencies through experienced professionals who bring diverse backgrounds to their respective roles.