California State Boards Gain Key Members in Newsom's Latest Appointments

On May 6, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a slate of appointments to California’s state boards and commissions, introducing leaders who will guide policies affecting millions. These roles, spanning cultural preservation, professional regulation, and public safety, hold significant influence despite operating largely out of the public eye.

From Paul Henderson’s appointment to the California African American Museum Board to Desirea Haggard’s role on the Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, the selections highlight a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. Each appointee brings specialized knowledge, poised to tackle complex challenges in their respective fields.

Paul Henderson, who has led San Francisco’s Department of Police Accountability since 2017, joins the museum board with a law degree from Tulane and a history of public service. Sinar Lomeli, a counseling faculty member at MiraCosta College, takes a seat on the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, leveraging her academic expertise to set industry standards.

Desirea Haggard, an environmental engineering veteran, joins the engineering and geology board alongside Christina Wong, a psychotherapist reappointed since 2021. The Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission retains David Rabbitt, Vincent Wells, Debra Garnes, and Cindy Silva, whose collective experience spans local government, firefighting, and civic leadership.

These appointees, many serving with modest $100 per diem compensation, reflect California’s diverse workforce. Their roles demand time and expertise to address issues like professional licensing, earthquake preparedness, and cultural heritage.

California’s appointment process blends transparency with executive flexibility. Candidates apply online, submitting resumes and disclosing potential conflicts. Staff and advisory committees vet applications, and some roles require Senate confirmation. This system, refined over decades, aims to balance merit with the governor’s policy priorities.

Yet, the process sparks discussion. In 2023, 71 percent of appointees identified as Democrats, prompting questions about partisan sway. Advocates for alignment argue that governors need appointees who share their vision for cohesive governance. Others push for broader political diversity to mirror California’s varied electorate.

Diversity in appointments remains a focal point. In 2023, non-Hispanic whites held 52 percent of seats, while Latinos and Asian Americans trailed their population shares. Women comprised 47 percent of appointees, nearing gender parity. These numbers show progress but highlight gaps, especially for Latinos, who make up nearly 40 percent of Californians but only 17.3 percent of appointees.

Groups like Hispanas Organized for Political Equality advocate for mandatory demographic reporting to track inclusivity, arguing that diverse boards yield fairer policies. Others prioritize qualifications, cautioning against overemphasizing demographics. Both sides grapple with how to align expertise with equitable representation.

State boards and commissions shape everyday life. Licensing boards set standards for professions, ensuring safety in fields like cosmetology and engineering. The seismic safety commission crafts policies to protect Californians in earthquake-prone regions. Cultural boards, like the African American Museum, safeguard historical narratives.

Their work, while vital, often feels remote to the public. Operating under public meeting laws, boards face challenges in engaging communities and demonstrating transparency. Appointees must bridge this gap while navigating resource constraints and complex mandates.

Governors have long used appointments to steer California’s trajectory. Since the 19th century, thousands of roles have been filled to advance policy goals. Today, Newsom oversees more than 3,000 appointments, each a chance to shape the state’s direction.

The latest appointees face urgent tasks: regulating professions, bolstering seismic resilience, and preserving cultural legacies. Their effectiveness hinges on collaboration, public trust, and their ability to address intricate issues with limited resources.

As California navigates change, these leaders will quietly influence its path. Their decisions will ripple across communities, shaping workplaces, safety measures, and shared heritage for years to come.