Governor Newsom appoints new members to key health care and tourism boards

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several new appointments to state boards and commissions.

Gerald Tolbert, of La Jolla, has been appointed to the Medical Board of California. Tolbert is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director for Medical Student Initiatives at University of California, San Diego. He also serves as Assistant Director for Medical Education at Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion. Previously, he was Foundation Dean of the Seattle Campus at the University of Washington and an Attending Physician at Advocate Medical Group South Suburban Hospital. His earlier roles include work with early academic outreach programs and service in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve. Tolbert holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UC San Diego. This appointment requires Senate confirmation with compensation set at $100 per diem. Tolbert is a Democrat.

Trinidad Solis, from Fresno, has also been appointed to the Medical Board of California. Solis is Deputy Public Health Officer at the Fresno County Department of Public Health, where she previously served as a Public Health Physician. Her background includes positions as a Family Medicine Physician with UCLA Health and training at UCLA Medical Center. She is affiliated with professional organizations such as the National Hispanic Medical Association and Health Officers Association of California. Solis earned her medical degree from UC San Francisco, an MPH from Johns Hopkins University, and a BA in Human Biology from Stanford University. The position requires Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem. Solis is a Democrat.

Veling Tsai, based in South Pasadena, has been reappointed to the Medical Board of California after serving since 2022. Tsai works as an Attending Physician at Caring ENT, teaches head and neck surgery at UCLA School of Medicine, and operates as an Attending Surgeon at UCLA Olive View Medical Center. He holds memberships on various boards including the Physician Assistant Board of California and American College of Legal Medicine. Tsai earned both his MD and JD degrees from Southern Illinois University along with a BA in Geography from UCLA. The role requires Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem. Tsai is registered without party preference.

Jackie Schaffer, from Los Angeles, will join the California Travel and Tourism Commission. Schaffer works independently as a writer, director, and producer after previous leadership roles at Montecito Picture Company (DreamWorks), Working Title Films (Universal Pictures), and Warner Bros Theatrical Production division. She serves on several nonprofit boards including Moxi Museum of Innovation and Technology's board of directors. Schaffer graduated with a BA in Government from Georgetown University; this post does not require Senate confirmation or offer compensation. Schaffer is a Democrat.

Elvin Lai, based in San Diego, has been named to the California Travel and Tourism Commission as well. Lai leads MSG Hospitality Group as CEO while holding executive positions across multiple hospitality companies including Ocean Park Inn Hotel and HOTELbeat Inc., among others spanning management consulting to risk solutions firms over recent years.Ocean Park Inn Hotel operates in Pacific Beach near major tourist attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego.SeaWorld San Diego draws millions annually to its marine park facilities. Lai serves on several local nonprofit boards including Sharp HealthCare's board.Sharp HealthCare provides healthcare services throughout San Diego County. Lai holds advanced degrees in business administration (UCSD) and hospitality management (CSU San Diego), plus a biology BA (University of San Diego). This commission seat does not require Senate confirmation or provide compensation; Lai is registered without party preference.

Taylor Tedder, living in Moorpark, joins the California State Board of Optometry following his current role with Opticore Optometry Group PC.Opticore Optometry Group offers eye care services across Southern California. Tedder’s prior experience includes serving as Chief Medical Officer for Visibly—a company focused on online vision testing—and director-level posts with CVS HealthCVS Health, which runs pharmacy clinics nationwide. Tedder earned his optometry doctorate from Illinois College of Optometry along with an undergraduate degree in biology from Kansas State University; this post pays $100 per diem but does not need Senate approval nor specify party registration.

Francis Albert David will serve on the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Hearing Aid Dispensers Board representing Alta Loma.Glendora Unified School District, where David works as speech pathologist, provides K-12 education services east of Los Angeles. David also practices privately through Whole Child Therapy.Whole Child Therapy specializes in pediatric therapy services. He previously worked for Emanate HealthEmanate Health, which manages hospitals throughout eastern Los Angeles County. David received his MA in Communication Disorders (Cal State LA) after earning his BS degree abroad; this board seat pays $100 per diem without requiring Senate confirmation or specifying party affiliation.

Karin Eugenio will serve on Imperial’s 45th District Agricultural Association – Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta Board.

Eugenio brings experience working for Anza-Borrego Foundation—a group supporting conservation efforts around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—and teaching roles both locally at Imperial Valley CollegeImperial Valley Collegeand regionally via CSU San Diego.She participates actively on regional transportation commissions plus local animal welfare groups like Humane Society Imperial County.

This appointment carries no salary nor requires legislative approval; Eugenio identifies without party preference.