Governor Newsom appoints officials to key state boards

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments to various state boards and agencies.

Vishesh Anand, from Los Angeles, will serve as Senior Advisor at the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. Anand previously worked as Deputy Director of Special Projects in the Office of Governor Newsom since 2025 and held several other roles in government and the private sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Global Studies from UCLA. The position does not require Senate confirmation, with compensation set at $140,004. Anand is registered with no party preference.

Lisa Middleton, from Palm Springs, has been appointed to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Administration. Middleton’s background includes serving as a councilmember for Palm Springs from 2017 to 2024 and holding executive roles at the State Compensations Insurance Fund. She earned her Master of Public Administration from USC and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA. This role also does not require Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem. Middleton is a Democrat.

Luis Arabit, based in Pasadena, joins the California Board of Occupational Therapy. Arabit has served as Associate Professor at California State University, San Jose since 2024 and has experience supervising occupational therapy services at Adventist Health White Memorial. He holds advanced degrees in occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences. Arabit participates actively in professional associations related to occupational therapy. The appointment does not require Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem. Arabit is a Democrat.

Erin Schwier, from San Diego, will also serve on the California Board of Occupational Therapy. Schwier is Assistant Dean of Occupational Therapy at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and has practiced occupational therapy since 2004 across multiple institutions. She holds doctoral degrees in education and occupational therapy as well as other relevant academic credentials. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem. Schwier is a Democrat.

Ada Boone Hoerl, residing in Sacramento, was named to the same board. Hoerl leads the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Sacramento City College and previously taught adult education within San Juan Unified School District. She holds degrees in education and newspaper production management. The position does not require Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem. Hoerl is a Democrat.

Bridget Legnavsky, from Norden, was appointed to the California Travel and Tourism Commission. Legnavsky serves as CEO and President at Sugar Bowl Corporation after holding leadership positions within New Zealand’s ski industry for many years. She sits on Ski California’s Executive Committee and holds business administration qualifications from University of Otago. This position carries no compensation or requirement for Senate confirmation; Legnavsky is not registered to vote.

“Vishesh Anand has been appointed Senior Advisor at the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency,” said Governor Newsom’s office.

“Lisa Middleton…has been appointed to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Administration,” according to today’s announcement.

“Luis Arabit…has been appointed to the California Board of Occupational Therapy,” stated Governor Newsom.

“Erin Schwier…has been appointed to the California Board of Occupational Therapy,” reads part of today’s statement.

“Ada Boone Hoerl…has been appointed to the California Board of Occupational Therapy,” noted Governor Newsom.

“Bridget Legnavsky…has been appointed to the California Travel and Tourism Commission,” said today’s release.