Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments to various state positions, covering a wide range of responsibilities from environmental management to juvenile justice.

Erin Curtis from Carmichael has been appointed as the Executive Director at the Strategic Growth Council. Her past roles include Vice President at Fiona Hutton & Associates and Deputy Secretary of Communications and External Affairs at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Curtis holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government/Journalism from California State University, Sacramento. This role does not require Senate confirmation, with compensation set at $190,023.

Edward “Eddie” Moreno will serve as Deputy Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the Department of Toxic Substances Control. Moreno has previously worked as Legislative Manager and Environmental Science and Policy Advisor within the same department since 2022. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Dartmouth College. The position does not need Senate confirmation and offers compensation of $137,615.

Tyrique Shipp joins the State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Previously an Advocacy and Community Organizing Associate at Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Shipp graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge.

Isaiah Barber also joins this committee as a Youth Life Coach with Anti-Recidivism Coalition since 2024. Monte Magic Mckay is another new appointee to this committee; he is involved with organizations like Healing Dialogue and Action and Underground Scholars Initiative.

Tecoy Porter has been appointed to the same committee; he serves as Senior Pastor at Genesis Missionary Baptist Church Inc., among other roles. Porter holds several degrees including a Doctorate in Business Administration in Strategic Leadership & Leadership Coaching.

Michael Duncan becomes part of this advisory group while serving as Executive Director at Native Dads Network Inc., whereas Cristian Franco steps into this role having worked with Motivating Individual Leadership for Public Advancement since 2017.

Joe Baca Jr., who currently supervises for San Bernardino Board of Supervisors, is appointed to this committee too; he brings experience from previous teaching roles and city council service.

Gonzalo Medina takes up his appointment on the Boating and Waterways Commission where he serves as Marine Safety Chief for Long Beach Fire Department since 2014. His appointment requires Senate confirmation with compensation being $100 per diem.

Maricela Rosales joins him on this commission bringing her experience as California Associate Program Director for Conservation Lands Foundation since 2020. José González gets reappointed to continue his work on this commission while serving East Bay Regional Park District.

Jamey Matalka is named Chief Financial Officer for California High-Speed Rail Authority after holding multiple positions there including Director of Risk Management.

Lastly, Courtni Pugh receives her appointment to Exposition Park and California Science Center Board after working as Partner at Hilltop Public Solutions since 2014.

These appointments reflect diverse backgrounds aimed towards strategic growth across sectors without requiring additional legislative approval except where noted otherwise.

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