Golden State Today

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced several appointments to key positions within state departments and agencies.

Debra Lee, of Carson, has been appointed Chief of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the Department of Industrial Relations. Lee has served in various roles since 1994, including Acting Chief since 2024. Her previous experience includes positions at Northrop Grumman and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health from California State University, Northridge. This position requires Senate confirmation with a compensation of $202,368. Lee is a Democrat.

Daniel Lopez, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of Communications at the Department of Industrial Relations. Lopez has been Deputy Communications Director in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2021 and previously held roles in the offices of Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and State Senator Richard Pan. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Journalism from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation with a compensation of $137,976. Lopez is a Democrat.

Emily Desai, also from Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Deputy Director for Strategic Program Planning and External Affairs at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Desai has served as Deputy Director of International Affairs and Trade since 2021. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. This position does not require Senate confirmation with a compensation of $160,008. Desai is a Democrat.

Nidia Erceg, from South Pasadena, has been appointed Zero Emission Vehicle Equity Advocate at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Erceg's recent roles include Acting Deputy Organizing Director for the Sierra Club and Air Quality Advisor for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's office. She earned her Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. This position does not require Senate confirmation with a compensation of $108,744. Erceg is a Democrat.

Daniel Trump, from Pinole, has been appointed Legal Advisor to the California Public Employment Relations Board after serving as Regional Attorney since 2011. Trump holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the same institution. This position does not require Senate confirmation with a compensation of $170,424. Trump is a Democrat.

Edmond Blagdon, from El Dorado Hills, has been appointed Director of Enterprise Information Systems at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Blagdon's tenure includes various roles within CDCR since 2009. He holds several information technology management positions within state departments prior to his current role. This position requires Senate confirmation with compensation set at $189,000. Blagdon is a Democrat.

Cynthia Mendonza also hails from El Dorado Hills and has been appointed Chief of Legislative Affairs at CDCR Administration Division after serving as Principal Program Budget Analyst at the California Department Finance since 2022 among other roles dating back to 2009 within different capacities related to finance management across state departments Mendonza holds multiple degrees including an MBA from California State University San Jose an MS Psychology CSU Stanislaus BA Psychology Saint Marys College CA .This position does not require Senate confirmation compensations set $150000 .Mendonza registered without party preference