Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.
Ann Carroll, of Davis, has been appointed Chief Counsel at the California Department of Water Resources, where she has served as Deputy General Counsel since 2019 and was Acting General Counsel in 2021. Carroll held several roles at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control from 2012 to 2019, including Assistant Chief Counsel and Senior Staff Counsel. She was Staff Counsel at the State Water Resources Control Board from 2009 to 2012. Carroll held several roles at the California District Attorneys Association from 2006 to 2009, including Circuit Prosecutor and Research Attorney. She is a member of the North Davis Elementary Parent Teacher Association and the Davis Odd Fellows. Carroll earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $209,712. Carroll is a Democrat.
Oscar De Haro, of St. Helena, has been appointed to the 25th District Agricultural Association, Napa Town and Country Fair Board of Directors. De Haro was Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Affairs at Napa Valley College from 2006 to 2022. He was Dean of Students at Mendocino Community College from 1998 to 2005. De Haro earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California State University, San Jose and a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from California State University, Sonoma. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. De Haro is a Democrat.
SG Ellison, of Sonoma, has been appointed to the Fast Food Council. Ellison has been CEO and Franchisee of Diversified Restaurant Company since 2019, and was previously President from 2014 to 2019. He has been CEO of First Street Development since 2013. Ellison is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ellison is registered without party preference.
Michael Gallo, of Merced, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has served since 2012. Gallo has been Chief Executive Officer of Joseph Gallo Farms, maker of Joseph Farms Cheese, since 1985, and Co-Owner since 1972. He is a member of the Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board of Directors, Merced Elks, Italo American Lodge, Merced Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Merced College President’s Circle. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gallo is a Republican.
Thomas Gibson, of West Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Water Resources, where he has served as Chief Counsel since 2021. He held multiple positions at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2014 to 2020, including Deputy Secretary, Special Counsel for Water, Undersecretary, and General Counsel. Gibson held multiple positions at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2007 to 2014, including General Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel. He held several roles at Best, Best, & Krieger LLP from 2002 to 2008, including Partner and Associate. Gibson was an Associate at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara PC from 1999 to 2002 and at Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard PC from 1997 to 1999. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $209,712. Gibson is registered without party preference.
Raymond Johnson, of Mariposa, has been appointed to the 35-A District Agricultural Association, Mariposa County Fair Board of Directors. Johnson has been an Engineering Operator at Yosemite National Park since 2017. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Johnson is a Republican.
Michele Perrault, of Plumas Lake, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director of Policy at the California Department of Finance, where she has served as Deputy Director of Legislation since 2022. She was Executive Director of Communications at the Roseville City School District from 2021 to 2022. Perrault was Director of the Administrative Services Division at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing from 2015 to 2021. She was Advocacy and Communications Director at the California State University Chancellor’s Office from 2005 to 2016. Perrault earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $226,212. Perrault is a Democrat.
Kimberly Vaughan, of Mariposa, has been appointed to the 35-A District Agricultural Association, Mariposa County Fair Board of Directors. Vaughan has been CEO of LGBT Weddings Inc. since 2015 and of Kimberly Vaughan Enterprises LLC since 2005. She earned a Business of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, NAACP and the Human Rights Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Vaughan is a Democrat.