Government operations & technology

Director, Office of Emergency Services

Disaster preparedness, response and recovery. The Director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, listed within the California Public Utilities Commission context, leads California's primary state agency for emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation. This role coordinates state and federal emergency management resources, oversees the State Operations Center, and works across state agencies, local governments, and federal partners to protect lives and property during disasters and emergencies. The Director brings executive experience in emergency management, public safety, or homeland security and is responsible for ensuring California is prepared to respond effectively to natural disasters, public health crises, and other statewide emergencies.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: At the Governor's pleasure
Compensation: $254,000/yr
Availability: At-pleasure: available to the next Governor on day one; Senate confirmation of the replacement within one year where required.
Statutory requirements: None in statute.

Statute-verified

Sources

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/03/03/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-3-3-2026/; Statute research 2026-09-12: Gov. Code secs. 8585, 8585.1; Gov. Code sec. 11552 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-8585-1/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-8585/; https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/government-code/gov-sect-11552/

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Governor's Office of Emergency Services role, including deputies and other seats.

Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Energy & EnvironmentAgency Head$254,000/yrSenate confirmation required

Public Safety and JusticePolicy and Analysis

The Director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, listed within the California Public Utilities Commission context, leads California's primary state agency for emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation. This role coordinates state and federal emergency management resources, oversees the State Operations Center, and works across state agencies, local governments, and federal partners to protect lives and property during disasters and emergencies. The Director brings executive experience in emergency management, public safety, or homeland security and is responsible for ensuring California is prepared to respond effectively to natural disasters, public health crises, and other statewide emergencies.

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