Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a series of significant appointments to various California state agencies and boards, including new leadership roles at the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Water Resources. These appointments aim to strengthen the state's administration across environmental, water, health, and correctional sectors.
Anna Naimark, of Sacramento, has been appointed Undersecretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency, a position that does not require Senate confirmation and offers a compensation of $224,940. Naimark previously served as Deputy Secretary and Special Counsel for Water Policy at CalEPA since 2022 and was a Senior Advisor for Tribal Negotiations in the Governor's Office. Thomas Gibson, of West Sacramento, will lead the California Department of Water Resources as its new Director, a role requiring Senate confirmation with a compensation of $245,288. Gibson brings extensive experience, having served as Chief Deputy Director and Chief Counsel at the department, and held multiple positions at the California Natural Resources Agency.
Further appointments include Chris Esguerra, of Pasadena, as Deputy Director and Chief Quality and Medical Officer at the Department of Health Care Services, with a compensation of $240,000. Beatriz Berumen, of Sacramento, was named Chief Deputy General Counsel, Operations, in the Office of Legal Affairs at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), earning $236,112. Dao Vang, of Stockton, was appointed Warden of the California Health Care Facility within the CDCR, with a compensation of $199,332. None of these three positions require Senate confirmation.
The Governor also appointed Clifford Kusaj and Rachel Stern to the Board of Parole Hearings, both positions requiring Senate confirmation and offering $210,249 in compensation. Kusaj has a background as a clinical and forensic psychologist, while Stern previously served as Deputy Commissioner and Administrative Law Judge I at the Board. Additionally, Jonathan Moscone, Regina Callan, and Anthony Schlander were appointed to the 1st District Agricultural Association – Cow Palace Fair Board, with no compensation or Senate confirmation required. Michael Moodian was reappointed to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, a position requiring Senate confirmation without compensation.
All appointees, with the exception of Thomas Gibson who is registered without party preference, are Democrats.