Press Release

Yolanda Benson, 49, of Elk Grove, has been appointed assistant secretary of economic development for the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. She most recently served as a deputy secretary in the Governor's LegislativeAffairs Unit. Prior to her work with the Governor, she was a legislative advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $86,631. Benson is a Republican.

Marian Bergeson, 79, of Newport Beach, has been appointed to the California Transportation Commission. She most recently was a project director for EA Consulting, where she handled education-related issues. Bergeson's experience also includes more than 22 years in government service as secretary of education under Governor Pete Wilson, a state senator from 1984 to 1995 and assemblywoman from 1978 to 1984. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Bergeson is a Republican.

Steven Giorgi, 57, of Roseville, has been appointed deputy director for bureau relations at the Department of Consumer Affairs. Since 2000, he has served as the chief of the bureau of Security and Investigative Affairs and prior to that served as interim deputy director of the Office of Homeland Security. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $106,548. Giorgi is a Republican.

Chon Gutierrez, 60, of Sacramento, has been appointed interim director of the California State Lottery. Gutierrez has more than 30 years in state service, most recently serving as interim director of the Department of Motor Vehicles and co-director of the California Performance Review. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $123,240. Gutierrez is registered decline-to-state.

Lisa Schmidt, 47, of Sacramento, has been appointed administrative assistant in the Department of Finance. She has served as executive assistant, scheduling director, and advisor to Tom Campbell during his tenure as a congressman and state senator. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $59,856. Schmidt is a Republican.

Dr. Dan Secord M.D., 67, of Santa Barbara, has been appointed to the Coastal Commission. He is a member of the Santa Barbara City Council, a post he has held since 1997. During his tenure he has served as mayor pro-tempore, chair of the Finance Committee, liaison to two water boards and the Airport Commission, a member of the Joint City/County Task Force Group on Solid Waste, a member of the Environmental Quality Committee for the League of California Cities and a member of the Air Pollution Control District Board. From 1969 to 2000 Secord was a physician in private practice and during that time served on many community boards and commissions including the Harbor Commission, Santa Barbara City Planning Commission and the Santa Barbara Middle School Board. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Secord is a Republican.

Edward C. Williams, 68, of Rancho San Luis Obispo, has been appointed to the California Gambling Control Commission. Williams is a law enforcement management consultant, following a 42-year career in law enforcement and public safety. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $114,191. Williams is a Republican.