Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the departure of California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, who has led the agency since March 2019. The Governor appointed California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director Kim Johnson as the new CalHHS Secretary.

During Dr. Ghaly's tenure, which included California's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CalHHS advanced initiatives aimed at providing stability and opportunity for Californians. These initiatives covered a range of health and human services issues, including healthcare affordability, access, and the intersection between housing, homelessness, and health.

"Dr. Ghaly's heroic service to the people of our state and his profound contribution to reshaping California’s health and social services cannot be overstated," said Governor Newsom. "For more than five years at the helm of CalHHS, his visionary and compassionate leadership and unwavering focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us have seen our state through unprecedented challenges and historic victories that improve the lives of Californians."

Newsom highlighted several key achievements under Dr. Ghaly's leadership: reimagining California's Medicaid program through CalAIM; creating the Master Plan for Aging; transforming behavioral health support for children through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative; overhauling behavioral health systems via multiple programs; expanding healthcare access through Medi-Cal and Covered California; establishing the Office of Health Care Affordability; launching CalRx to make medications more affordable; and transforming foster care funding structures.

"I am grateful to Secretary Ghaly for his steadfast leadership and partnership during one of the greatest public health crises of our lifetime," stated Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, former Surgeon General of California. "However, it was his unceasing dedication to caring for all Californians, especially our most vulnerable, that will be his enduring legacy."

Dr. Ghaly will remain with CalHHS until the end of September to assist with the transition. Effective October 1, Kim Johnson will assume her new role as CalHHS Secretary.

Kim Johnson has been leading CDSS since July 2019. Her prior roles include Deputy Director of Family Engagement and Empowerment Division at CDSS, Branch Chief positions within CalWORKs and Child Care as well as Refugee Programs and Child Care from 2015 to 2019. She also served in various capacities related to child care policy and early childhood programs from 1999 onwards.

Johnson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley. Her appointment requires Senate confirmation with a compensation set at $247,039 annually.