Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced several appointments across various departments in California. Andrew “Andy” Nakahata, from San Francisco, will take on the role of Chief Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank. Nakahata's career includes roles at TD Securities LLC, UBS Financial Services Inc., and Goldman Sachs & Co. He holds degrees from Yale University and Wesleyan University. His new position does not require Senate confirmation, with compensation set at $186,876.

Diane Lydon, based in Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director and Northern California Regional Advisor at the Office of the Small Business Advocate. Lydon's experience spans positions at the Department of General Services and World Trade Center Northern California. Her new role also does not require Senate confirmation, with a salary of $123,600.

Brian Lin Walsh from Rocklin will serve as Principal Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources. Previously holding positions within the same department and others such as the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Lin Walsh brings a background in business administration to his new post which offers a salary of $153,492.

Joseph Tuggle has been named Warden of Folsom State Prison after serving as Acting Warden since 2024. With extensive experience within Folsom State Prison and other facilities like Pelican Bay State Prison since 1998, Tuggle's appointment carries a compensation package of $193,524.

Kelly DeRoss from Sacramento is appointed Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources. Her previous roles include Labor Relations Manager II at the Employment Development Department and other capacities within public health services. The position provides a salary of $141,144.

Jennifer Haley from Rancho Palos Verdes joins the California Workforce Development Board as an appointee without party preference registration. Haley is President and CEO at Kern Energy with past legal practice experience. The board position compensates $100 per diem.

Amelia Tyagi from Los Angeles also joins the California Workforce Development Board with an extensive background including leadership roles in business talent management firms and consultancy work with McKinsey & Co. Tyagi’s board service is compensated similarly at $100 per diem.

These appointments reflect diverse backgrounds in finance, labor relations, corrections management, energy sector leadership, small business advocacy, and workforce development initiatives across California.