Governor Newsom appoints leaders to key health care oversight positions

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several appointments to key positions within California’s health and human services departments.

John Ohanian, from Vacaville, will serve as Policy Advisor for Data Exchange at the California Department of Health Care Services. Ohanian previously worked as Chief Data Officer and Director at the Center for Data Insights at the California Health and Human Services Agency since 2020. His past roles include President and CEO of 211 San Diego and Community Information Exchange from 2007 to 2020, Vice President of Finance, Operations and Planned Giving for the Alzheimer’s Association in San Diego from 2005 to 2007, and Associate Director and Consultant at the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego between 1994 and 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of San Diego. The position does not require Senate confirmation, offers a salary of $193,272, and Ohanian is registered as a Democrat.

Fay Gordon, based in Alameda, has been named State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the California Department of Aging. Gordon most recently served as Region IX Regional Administrator at the Administration for Community Living under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2020 to 2025. Her previous experience includes Program Director at the National Center on Law and Elder Rights (2016-2020) and Health Care Attorney with Justice in Aging (2012-2016). She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and World Arts and Cultures from UCLA. This role also does not require Senate confirmation; compensation is set at $168,864 per year. Gordon is a Democrat.

Tumboura Hill, residing in Modesto, has been appointed to the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Hill is currently Director of Compliance and Operations at Strive University since 2024 after serving as Cal AIM Business Services Director at St. Mary’s Community Services (2023-2024). From 2007 to 2020 he held multiple roles with Valley Mountain Regional Center including Program Evaluator for Home and Community Based Services as well as Senior Community Services Liaison. He was also a Special Day Class Teacher with Stockton Unified School District (2002-2007) following his earlier work as Teaching Assistant with California Youth Authority (1994-2002). Hill received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Stanislaus. The appointment carries no compensation or requirement for Senate confirmation; Hill is registered as a Democrat.

“These appointees bring extensive experience that will help us advance our commitment to improving health care delivery systems across California,” said Governor Newsom.