Governor Newsom announces new appointments to key state positions

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments to key positions in California's public institutions. Soon-Sik Lee, from Bellevue, Washington, has been appointed as Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee has extensive experience in engineering and project management, having served as Vice President – Senior Program Manager at AECOM since 2021. His previous roles include Director of Engineering at Etihad Rail and Principal Investment Operations Specialist at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Lee holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, among other qualifications. This position does not require Senate confirmation and offers compensation of $280,008.

Lilian Coral from San Marino has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Coral is currently Vice President of Technology and Democracy Programs and Head of the Open Technology Institute at New America. Her past roles include Director of National Strategy and Technology Innovation at the Knight Foundation and Chief Data Officer for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's office. She earned her Master’s degree in Public Policy from UCLA. This appointment requires Senate confirmation with compensation set at $100 per diem.

Carson Fajardo from Rancho Cucamonga will join the California State University Board of Trustees. Fajardo has previously held various positions within California State University, San Bernardino, including President and CEO of Associated Students, Inc., and Programming Coordinator for the Residence Halls Association. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CSU San Bernardino. This role does not require Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem.