Gov Brown announces appointments

Denise Brown, 60, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Brown was an advisor to the executive officer and staff of the California Air Resources Board from 2009 to 2011. She served in the Department of Consumer Affairs in multiple positions from 1977 to 2009, including chief deputy director. Brown was chief deputy registrar at the Contractors State License Board from 2004 to 2009, chief deputy director at the Department of Consumer Affairs from 1999 to 2004 and a program administrator at the California Architects Board from 1998 to 1999. She worked in multiple positions at the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology from 1994 to 1998 and from 1987 to 1991, including executive officer of the board. She was deputy chief of the Division of Consumer Affairs from 1981 to 1983 and a legislative aide from 1977 to 1981. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $144,504. Brown is a Democrat.


Awet Kidane, 35, of Elk Grove, has been appointed chief deputy director at the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Kidane has been chief of staff to Assemblymember Steven Bradford since 2009. He was senior advisor to Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass from 2008 to 2009, a legislative consultant for the California State Assembly from 2003 to 2009 and an associate consultant for the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2003. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $122,496. Kidane is a Democrat.

Reichel Everhart, 42, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy director for board and bureau relations at the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Everhart has been senior advisor to the director at the Department of Consumer Affairs since 2011. She was chief of staff to Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani from 2006 to 2011, legislative director to Assemblymember Sally Lieber from 2003 to 2005, legislative assistant to Assemblymember Leland Yee from 2001 to 2003 and legislative aide to Assemblymember Patricia Wiggins from 2000 to 2001. Everhart was a legislative aide to Assemblymember Elaine Alquist from 1999 to 2000 and a field representative for Assemblymember Michael Machado from 1995 to 1999. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $103,308. Everhart is a Democrat.