Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several new appointments across various state departments and committees. Kristen Erickson-Donadee, from Folsom, has been appointed as the Director of the California Department of Child Support Services. She has been with the department since 2009, holding roles such as Chief Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel. Erickson-Donadee's appointment requires Senate confirmation, and she will receive a compensation of $226,334.

Jay Wierenga, based in Sacramento, is set to become the Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. He has served as Communications Director at the California Fair Political Practices Commission since 2014. This position does not require Senate confirmation and offers a salary of $160,200.

Hayley Figeroid from Carmichael has been named Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Office of Data and Innovation. Figeroid has worked in government relations since 2022 and previously held positions at Covered California. Her new role does not require Senate confirmation and comes with a compensation package of $165,000.

Ludmil Alexandrov from San Diego joins the Carcinogen Identification Committee. He is currently serving as Chief Scientific Officer at io9 and a professor at UC San Diego. Alexandrov's position on this committee does not require Senate confirmation nor provides compensation.

Dean Felsher from San Mateo is also appointed to the Carcinogen Identification Committee. Felsher is an oncologist and cancer scientist at Stanford University with a long history in medical research. Like Alexandrov's role, this position neither requires Senate confirmation nor offers compensation.

Mark Toney from Lakeport has been reappointed to the State Bar of California Board of Trustees where he has served since 2020. Toney continues his work as Executive Director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008. His reappointment requires Senate confirmation with a compensation rate set at $50 per diem.

These appointments reflect Governor Newsom’s ongoing efforts to fill key roles within state agencies with experienced professionals.