Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.
Jennifer “Jen” Benedet, 38, of Anderson, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director for Communications, Education and Outreach at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, where she has served as a Statewide R3 Coordinator and Marketing Specialist since 2018. Benedet was a Consultant at the Lake Siskiyou Trout Restoration Project from 2017 to 2018, Advisor at One Conservation Network from 2016 to 2017 and California State Director/Western U.S. Outreach Coordinator at Sportsmen’s Alliance from 2015 to 2016. She was a Library Technician and History Room Specialist for the City of Carlsbad from 2013 to 2015, Community Organizer at the Alliance for African Assistance from 2009 to 2010, Case Manager at Team Coordinating Agency Inc. from 2007 to 2008 and Respite Worker at Humboldt Child Care Council from 2002 to 2005. She earned a Master of Arts degree in social and cultural anthropology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a Master of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of New Hampshire. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $117,000. Benedet is registered without party preference.
Lisa Silverman, 54, of Pilot Hill, has been reappointed Executive Officer for the Office of Public School Construction at the Department of General Services, where she served in that position since 2012. Silverman was Deputy Executive Officer at the Office of Public Instruction from 2010 to 2012. Silverman served as Senior Management Auditor and Chief of Fiscal Services at the Office of Public School Construction from 2006 to 2010 and was a Business Tax Specialist and Associate Tax Auditor for the Board of Equalization from 1997 to 2006. She was an Associate Tax Auditor and Hearing Officer for the Franchise Tax Board from 1984 to 1997. Silverman is treasurer for Latino Sports Outreach and a parent volunteer for the Oak Ridge High School Soccer Program. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $141,432. Silverman is a Democrat.