Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several appointments across various state departments and commissions. Erica Pan from Oakland has been appointed as Director and State Public Health Officer at the California Department of Public Health. Her previous roles include Deputy Director at the Center for Infectious Diseases and State Epidemiologist since 2020. Pan's extensive experience includes positions in Alameda County and San Francisco public health departments. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Master of Public Health from Tufts University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University. This appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Nancy Skinner from Berkeley is appointed to the California Energy Commission after serving as a State Senator until 2024. Her career includes advisory roles at UC Davis and teaching at UC Berkeley. Skinner also worked with The Climate Group and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability. She holds degrees in Education and Conservation from UC Berkeley, and her position requires Senate confirmation.

Kimberly Arbuckle of Galt will serve as Special Assistant to the Secretary at the California Natural Resources Agency, having held various positions there since 2012. This role does not require Senate confirmation.

Yael Wyte from Culver City joins the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, bringing experience from the Alzheimer’s Association and Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation. Wyte holds degrees in Social Work from USC and Speech-Language Pathology from Arizona University.

Jeannee Parker Martin of San Francisco is appointed to the California Commission on Aging, currently leading LeadingAge California. Her past roles include leadership positions at The Corridor Group Holdings LLC. Martin earned her MPH in Epidemiology from Yale University.

Alison Yoshimoto-Towery of Los Angeles continues her role on the State Board of Education while serving as Executive Director at two educational institutes since 2023. She has an extensive background with Los Angeles Unified School District.

Sharon Olken also remains on the State Board of Education, now leading Narrative Magazine after directing Gateway Public Schools until 2023.

Shelley Doran joins the California Apprenticeship Council following consultancy work with Webcor Builders, where she was Senior Vice President until 2021.

Eric Holst continues his service on the State Board of Mining and Geology while holding a vice-presidential role at Environmental Defense Fund since 2021.

George Kenline stays on this board too, now working as Environmental Services Director at Martin Marietta after years with San Bernardino County.

Stephen “Chris” Gruwell remains part of the California State Athletic Commission alongside Doug Hendrickson, both reappointed members bringing diverse experiences to their roles which require Senate confirmations.