Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a series of appointments and reappointments to key positions across California state departments and boards. The announcement includes new leadership roles in general services, food and agriculture, and the state fair, alongside reappointments to several professional licensing and health oversight bodies.
Allison Pease has been appointed Deputy Director and Chief Counsel at the California Department of General Services, transitioning from her role as Assistant General Counsel and Director in the Office of Legal Affairs at Covered California since 2023. Carney King, previously a Legislative Manager, will now serve as Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Joji Kume, a Financial Analyst at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, was named Administrative Deputy General Manager at the California Exposition and State Fair. These three positions do not require Senate confirmation. Additionally, Taylor Gallanter, owner of Beau SF Studio, was appointed to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, a role that does require Senate confirmation.
The Governor also reappointed three individuals to the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Susan Friedman, a former NBC News Producer, continues her service on the board, where she has been since 2020. John Sovec, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, was reappointed, having served since 2019. Eleanor Octavia Uribe, a Faculty Field Liaison and Lecturer at California State University, Fresno, also received a reappointment, serving since 2022. All three reappointments require Senate confirmation.
Two reappointments were made to the Medical Board of California. Luis Portillo, President and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, continues his service, having been on the board since 2026. Felix Yip, CEO and Urologist at Felix Chi-Ming Yip MD Inc. and a Clinical Professor of Urology, was also reappointed, serving since 2013. Both Portillo and Yip's reappointments require Senate confirmation.
Finally, the Health Care Affordability Board saw two reappointments. Sandra Hernández, President and CEO of the California Health Care Foundation, was reappointed, having served since 2023. Richard Kronick, a Professor of Health Policy at the University of California, San Diego, also received a reappointment, serving since 2023. Both Hernández and Kronick's reappointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
This comprehensive set of appointments and reappointments aims to strengthen various state functions and regulatory oversight, with several key roles requiring legislative approval.