California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Marybel Batjer to lead the California Public Utilities Commission.
Pending Senate confirmation, Batjer will become president of the California Public Utilities commission as the state enacts vast changes to the regulatory environment.
Newsom announced Batjer’s appointment as president Friday during a
The position pays $219,000 annually.
Batjer, 64, a Democrat, was appointed last year to lead Newsom’s Department of Motor Vehicle’s strike team after the department botched the roll-out of the REAL ID, a new form of federal ID required for air travel beginning in Oct. 2020.
Batjer replaces Michael Picker, who announced in May that he would retire after almost five years in the post.
“Marybel’s deep experience in government administration and sound judgment make her uniquely qualified to take on this important role,” Newsom said. “I am confident she will protect the best interest of all Californians by challenging utilities to embrace reform while providing safe, reliable and affordable service.”
Batjer has been secretary of the California Government Operations Agency since 2013.
In this role, she has led efforts to revamp the way the state approaches data and technology, modernized the civil service system, and has led efforts to make state government more environmentally-friendly, according to Newsom’s office.
Before heading the Government Operations Agency, Batjer was Vice President for Public Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility at Caesars Entertainment Inc.
Batjer was Cabinet Secretary to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2003 to 2005, chief of staff to Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn from 2000 to 2003 and undersecretary at the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency from 1997 to 1998.
She has served on several boards and commissions, including as the former vice chair of the State of Nevada Colorado River Commission.
