California Appointments: Newsom Names Leaders to Wildlife, Corrections & Commissions

SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom has announced a series of appointments to key positions across California state government, impacting areas from wildlife management and corrections to film and developmental disabilities. These appointments, made public today, reflect a range of experience and expertise within the individuals selected for these roles.

Leadership Changes in Key Agencies

Meghan Hertel has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hertel’s background includes serving as the Deputy Secretary of Biodiversity and Habitat at the California Natural Resources Agency since 2024, and prior roles with the Land Life Company and Audubon California. Her position requires Senate confirmation and carries a compensation of $218,268.

Sarah M. Brattin will serve as Assistant Secretary and Chief Counsel at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Brattin previously held a position as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Newsom, building on experience within the California Department of Justice and the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. Her compensation will be $242,016.

Julia Montgomery has been reappointed as General Counsel at the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, a role she has held since 2016. Montgomery’s career includes prior positions at the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. This position also requires Senate confirmation, with a salary of $223,188.

Did You Know? Julia Montgomery previously served as an Adjunct Professor at University of California, Davis School of Law from 2006 to 2007.

Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Nicole “Nikki” Perez, currently a Burbank City Council member and former Mayor, has been appointed to the California Film Commission. Perez’s experience also includes roles in social work and political communications. This position is unpaid.

Sherry Johnson Alvarez is appointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, continuing her work as an Eligibility Social Worker at the Los Angeles Department of Social Services. Alvarez will receive $100 per diem for her service.

Michael Sharp has been appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Wellbeing. Sharp’s background includes experience in coaching, consulting, and education, as well as a previous role with the Scottish Football Association. This position is also unpaid.

Brian Travis will serve on The Private Security Disciplinary Review Committee (North), bringing a background in law enforcement and public safety leadership, including his current role as Chief of Police for the Solano Community College District. Travis will receive $100 per diem.

Expert Insight: The appointments to the Private Security Disciplinary Review Committee suggest a continued focus on oversight and accountability within the private security sector, drawing on the extensive law enforcement experience of individuals like Brian Travis.

Michael Sweet has been reappointed as Chair of the California Citizens Compensation Commission, continuing a role he began in 2023. Sweet is a Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP and holds several positions within San Francisco civic organizations. He will receive $100 per diem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Director?

The Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife oversees the management of California’s fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.

Does the Assistant Secretary and Chief Counsel at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation require Senate confirmation?

No, the position of Assistant Secretary and Chief Counsel at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation does not require Senate confirmation.

What is the compensation for the Chair of the California Citizens Compensation Commission?

The Chair of the California Citizens Compensation Commission receives $100 per diem.

These appointments signal a continuation of the Governor’s focus on key areas of state governance. It remains to be seen how these new leaders will approach the challenges and opportunities within their respective roles, and what specific initiatives they may pursue in the coming months.