Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of appointments across various state offices and committees. Jacqueline Yannacci from Folsom has been named Executive Director of California Volunteers in the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement. Yannacci, who has served as Chief Program Officer since 2020, previously worked at Jacy Consulting and the American Red Cross. Her new role does not require Senate confirmation, with a compensation of $186,792.

Leticia Palamidessi from West Sacramento will serve as Deputy Director of Communications at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Palamidessi's experience includes roles at the Strategic Growth Council and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This position offers a salary of $141,420 without needing Senate confirmation.

Carol Dahmen-Eckery from Carmichael is appointed Chief of Strategic Communications at the California High-Speed Rail Authority. With a background in political management and communications, Dahmen-Eckery's new role also bypasses Senate confirmation, offering compensation of $170,004.

Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola from Sacramento joins the Protect Access to Health Care Act Stakeholder Advisory Committee. A professor at UC Davis School of Medicine, Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola holds multiple degrees including a Doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology from Vanderbilt University. His appointment is non-compensated and does not require Senate approval.

Tam Ma from Sacramento is appointed to the same advisory committee as Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola. Ma brings experience from her role as Associate Vice President for Health Policy at the University of California Office of the President among other positions. Her appointment is also non-compensated without Senate confirmation.

Amy Moy from Portola Valley will join the Protect Access to Health Care Act Stakeholder Advisory Committee too. Moy serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer at Essential Access Health with prior roles in public affairs within Planned Parenthood organizations.

Kristen Cerf from Nevada County has been appointed to this committee as well, currently serving as President and CEO at Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan.

Lastly, Dr. Irving Ayala-Rodriguez from Bakersfield joins this advisory committee while serving as Chief Medical Officer with Clinica Sierra Vista.

These appointments reflect diverse expertise across healthcare policy, communications strategy, and community engagement initiatives within California's governance framework.