Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.
Jennifer Benavidez, of Roseville, has been appointed Warden at the California Medical Facility, where she has served as Acting Warden since 2021 and served as Chief Deputy Warden from 2020 to 2021. Benavidez was Acting Chief Deputy Administrator at the California Health Care Facility in 2020. She held several roles at Folsom State Prison between 2016 and 2020, including Associate Warden and Correctional Captain. Benavidez was a Correctional Captain at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Headquarters from 2013 to 2016, where she also served as a Correctional Counselor from 2008 to 2013 and Correctional Lieutenant from 2007 to 2008. Benavidez served as a Correctional Sergeant and Correctional Officer at California State Prison Solano from 2003 to 2007 and was a Correctional Officer at the Northern California Women’s Facility from 1997 to 2003. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,332. Benavidez is a Republican.
Landon Bird, of Copperopolis, has been appointed Warden at Valley State Prison, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2021. Bird served at Deuel Vocational Institution between 2020 and 2021 as both Acting Warden and Chief Deputy Warden. He held several positions at Sierra Conservation Center between 1999 and 2020, including Associate Warden, Correctional Captain, Classification and Parole Representative, Correctional Counselor II Supervisor, Correctional Counselor I and Correctional Officer. Bird was a Correctional Officer at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran from 1998 to 1999 and at High Desert State Prison in 1997. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,332. Bird is registered without party preference.
Christopher Cabaldon, of Yolo, has been appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Cabaldon has been Partner at Capitol Impact LLC since 2009. He has been Mayor in Residence at the Institute for the Future since 2021. Cabaldon was Hazel Cramer Endowed Chair and Professor of Public Policy & Administration at California State University, Sacramento from 2019 to 2021. He was a Councilmember for the City of West Sacramento from 1996 to 1998 and Mayor of the City of West Sacramento from 1998 to 2020. Cabaldon was President and CEO at EDVoice from 2003 to 2008. He was Vice Chancellor for Policy, Planning & Governmental Affairs at California Community Colleges from 1997 to 2003. Cabaldon was Chief Consultant for the State Assembly Committee on Higher Education and Chief of Staff for the State Assembly Appropriations Committee from 1989 to 1997. He was Legislative Director at the University of California Student Association from 1987 to 1989. He served as a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education from 2011 to 2021. Cabaldon earned a Master of Public Policy degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Cabaldon is a Democrat.
Shannon Coe, of Davis, has been appointed to the State Independent Living Council. Coe has been a Community Parent at WarmLine Family Resource Center since 2018. She was a Program Coordinator at the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers from 2011 to 2015. Coe was a Consultant at Humanity & Inclusion in 2009. She was an Urban Youth Development Worker at the U.S. Peace Corps from 2004 to 2006. Coe was a Mentor at the Youth Empowerment Project in 2003. She was Acting Program Coordinator at the Fulfillment Fund Teen Access Program from 2002 to 2003. Coe earned a Master of Public Administration degree in International Management from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Coe is a Democrat.
Susan Rotchy, of Dixon, has been appointed to the State Independent Living Council. Rotchy has been Executive Director at Independent Living Resources of Solano & Contra Costa Counties since 2022, where she held several positions from 2005 to 2022, including Program Manager and Benefits Specialist. She was a Substitute Teacher for the Vacaville Public School District from 2007 to 2010. Rotchy was an Optician for Dr. Randall Cummings from 1993 to 1996. She is a member of the In-Home Support, Solano Advisory Committee and the Consolidated Transportation Services Agency Advisory Committee. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rotchy is a Democrat.