Governor Gavin Newsom today announced four new appointments to key state positions and boards, including a Legal Advisor for the Public Employment Relations Board and two members for the Health Care Affordability Board. These appointments aim to bolster various state functions, from public employment relations to health care and early intervention services.
Fernando Reyes, of Sacramento, has been named Legal Advisor at the Public Employment Relations Board. Reyes previously served as Senior Regional Attorney at the board since 2025 and was Deputy County Counsel at Mendocino County. He holds a Juris Doctor from UC Davis and a Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley. This position, which does not require Senate confirmation, offers compensation of $151,776.
Mikah Owen and David Chase, both of Elk Grove, were appointed to the Health Care Affordability Board. Owen, a pediatrician and Director of Training and Evidence at ACE Resource Network, brings extensive experience from UCLA-UCSF ACEs Aware Family Resilience Network and the University of California, Davis. He earned an MD from UCSF, an MPH from UC Berkeley, and an MBA from Yale. Chase, Chief Policy and Outreach Officer at Small Business Majority, has a long history in policy and advocacy, including roles in the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both Owen and Chase's positions require Senate confirmation and offer $100 per diem.
Samantha Jo Hebermehl, of Fremont, was appointed to the State Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention. Hebermehl is a provider with the Public Authority for In-Home Support Services and is actively involved in the Council's Communications and Outreach Committee and Improving State Systems Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This role does not require Senate confirmation and is uncompensated.