Press ReleaseOFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
GAAS:559:05
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/30/2005
Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Susan Kennedy Chief of Staff Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Susan Kennedy as chief of staff.
"Susan is a hands-on, action-oriented person who gets things done. She is a leader with incredible institutional knowledge about state government and a deep understanding of the public policy process. We have had incredible accomplishments throughout my administration and I look forward to working with Susan to build upon that foundation and make California once again the golden dream by the sea."
"Pat has worked tirelessly to assemble an amazing team and to guide my staff over the past two years. She has been an incredible chief of staff and I want to thank her for her service and dedication to not only my administration, but also to the people of California."
Kennedy has served on the California Public Utilities Commission since 2003, where she focused on regulatory consistency and broadband, infrastructure investment and promoting economic development. In addition, she has been a member of the California Bay-Delta Authority, the statewide body responsible for overseeing the restoration of the San Francisco Bay Delta ecosystem to increase storage, promote efficiency and protect California's extensive levee system since 2003. Previously, Kennedy served as cabinet secretary and deputy chief of staff for Governor Gray Davis where she was principal liaison to the cabinet and state agencies, departments, boards and commissions. Prior to joining the Davis Administration, Kennedy served as communications director for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.
"I am honored Governor Schwarzenegger has asked me to join him as he works to rebuild California," said Kennedy. "We have a tremendous opportunity to get past party lines and move California forward. I have come to know this man. I believe in him and where he wants to take this state. I look forward to using my experience and knowledge to work alongside the Governor to get the job done."
Ignoring party labels has been a hallmark of the Schwarzenegger administration. The Governor's cabinet and staff include more high-profile Republicans, Democrats and Independents than any administration in recent memory.
Kennedy, 45, of Marin County, attended San Francisco State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $131,412. Kennedy is a Democrat. She will assume this position on January 1, 2006.