SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Oct. 20 announced the following appointments: Isabel Barreras, 44, of Madera, has been reappointed to the Madera District Fair Board of Directors (21-A District Agricultural Association), where she has served as a member since 2003. She has been an administrative assistant of special services for Madera Unified School District since 2009, where she was previously an outreach consultant from 2006 to 2009 and an administrative assistant of state and federal projects from 1995 to 2006. She is a member of the California Community College Trustee Board, California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Madera Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Barreras is a Democrat.
Omar Benjamin, 49, of Oakland, has been reappointed to the Commission for Economic Development, where he has served as a member since 2007. He has worked for the Port of Oakland as executive director since 2007, where he previously was deputy executive director in 2006 and director of commercial real estate from 1997 to 2006. Benjamin served as chief operating officer for Al Anwa USA from 1995 to 1996. He is a member of the Oakland Economic Development Corporation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Benjamin is registered decline-to-state.
Virginia Chang Kiraly, 46, of Menlo Park, has been reappointed to the Commission for Economic Development, where she has served as a member since 2007. She has owned Knitting Girls since 2004. Previously, Chang Kiraly was senior director for the Nasdaq Stock Market from 2000 until her retirement in 2003. She was an investment executive for Paine Webber from 1995 to 2000. Prior to that, Chang Kiraly was a sales associate for institutional fixed income sales and trading for Bear, Stearns and Company from 1993 to 1994 and an account executive for Alex Brown and Sons from 1991 to 1993. She is president of Republicans for Environmental Protection, California Chapter. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Chang Kiraly is a Republican.
Benjamin Clay, 65, of San Diego, has been reappointed to the San Diego River Conservancy Governing Board, where he has served as a member since 2008. He was partner for Carpi and Clay Government Relations from 1984 to 2008. Clay served as vice president of Torrey Enterprises Incorporated from 1982 to 1984 and director of governmental relations for San Diego County from 1976 to 1984. He was a lobbyist for the city of San Diego from 1972 to 1976 and a captain in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1972. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Clay is a Republican.
David Crane, 56, of San Francisco, has been reappointed to the Commission for Economic Development, where he has served as a member since 2007. He has served as special advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for jobs and economic growth since 2004. Crane was partner for Babcock and Brown from 1979 to 2003. He is a member of the California High Speed Rail Authority and Building America’s Future, the coalition established by Governor Schwarzenegger, Pennsylvania Governor Rendell and New York City Mayor Bloomberg to promote U.S. infrastructure investment. Crane is a trustee of the Carla and David Crane Foundation and the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. He is an advisory trustee for Environmental Defense Fund. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Crane is a Democrat.
Daniel Curtin, 62, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the Commission for Economic Development, where he has served as a member since 2007. He has served as director of the California Conference of Carpenters since 2001 and previously held the same position from 1992 to 1999. Curtin served as chief deputy director of the Department of Industrial Relations from 1999 to 2001 and legislative advocate for the California Conference of Carpenters from 1987 to 1992. He is a member of the State Compensation Insurance Fund Board of Directors, California Water Commission and the Industrial Welfare Commission. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Curtin is a Democrat.
Donald Farnesi, 53, of Madera, has been reappointed to the Madera District Fair Board of Directors (21-A District Agricultural Association), where he has served as a member since 2005. He has owned and been chief executive officer of Schafer Metal Stake since 2006, where he was previously manager from 1989 to 2006. Prior to that, Farnesi worked as a parts manager for Madera Tractor and Implement from 1975 to 1989. He is a member of Madera County Agriculture Boosters, Madera Vino Club, Californian Association of Wine Grape Growers, American Society Relay for Life and Firebaugh Service Clubs. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Farnesi is a Republican.
Lina Fat, 72, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the California Travel and Tourism Commission, where she has served as member since 2007. Since 1974, she has worked for Fat City Incorporated, where she is currently director of food and public relations. Fat is a member of the California Restaurant Association, Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Fat is a Republican.
William Green, 61, of Temecula, has been appointed to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. He has served as senior vice president and regional manager of RBF Consulting since 1985. Green is an executive board director for Boy Scouts of America and California Inland Empire Council. He is a member of the Temecula Murrieta Group, Valley Action Group of Coachella Valley and Rotary Club of Temecula. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Green is a Republican.
Lois Grow, 51, of Madera, has been reappointed to the Madera District Fair Board of Directors (21-A District Agricultural Association), where she has served as a member since 2006. She has served as office manager for Madera County Economic Development since 2002. Grow was a bookkeeper for Vineyard Growers Supply from 1997 to 2007, office manager for Conifer Paper from 1987 to 1991 and a customer service representative for Inland Container from 1982 to 1986. She is a member of Philanthropic Education Organization. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Grow is a Republican.
Ann Haddad, 47, of San Diego, has been reappointed to the San Diego River Conservancy Governing Board, where she has served as a member since 2006. She served as director of community relations and events for Salk Institute for Biological Studies from 2003 to 2006. Previously, Haddad was director of the philanthropy department for the San Diego Foundation from 2002 to 2003 and vice president of International Development Opportunities from 1992 to 2000. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Haddad is a Republican.
Jeffrey Hoffman, 50, of Long Beach, has been reappointed to the CaliforniaVolunteers Commission, where he has served as a member since 2007. He has owned and been consulting director for Jeff Hoffman and Associates, Global Philanthropy and Civic Engagement since 2010. Hoffman worked for The Walt Disney Company as vice president of Disney Worldwide Outreach from 2000 to 2010, senior member of The Disney University from 1984 to 2000 and theme park operations representative for Adventureland and FrontierLand Merchandise from 1978 to 1983. Hoffman is a member of Business Strengthening America, Volunteer Centers of California and Points of Light Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Hoffman is a Republican.
Rita Holiday, 52, of San Jose, has been reappointed to the CaliforniaVolunteers Commission, where she has served as a member since 2008. She has worked as a community relations and grants program manager for Intel Corporation since 1999, where she was previously project coordinator from 1997 to 1999. Holiday served as operations manager for NorCal Waste Systems from 1996 to 1997 and marketing manager for Page Net from 1996 to 1997. Previously, she worked for Olsten Staffing Services as branch manager from 1991 to 1993 and staffing coordinator from 1984 to 1991. Holiday is a member of the Second Harvest Food Bank, Corporate Community Relations Consortium, Sacramento Corporate Volunteer Program and Hands On Sacramento Leadership Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Holiday is a Democrat.
Paul Jacks, 57, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the CaliforniaVolunteers Commission, where he has served as a member since 2006. Since 2008, he has worked as a senior emergency management analyst for United Research Services and consultant for Citizen Voice. Prior to that, Jacks worked for the California Office of Emergency Services as deputy director of the Disaster Assistance Division from 2000 to 2008, chief of the Disaster Assistance Resources Branch from 1996 to 2000, program manager I from 1990 to 1993 and emergency services coordinator from 1985 to 1990. Jacks served as staff services manager I for the Employment Development Department from 1993 to 1996. He worked for California Conservation Corps as an associate government program analyst in 1985, conservationist II from 1981 to 1984 and conservationist I from 1977 to 1981. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Jacks is a Democrat.
Jonathan Kaji, 55, of Rancho Palos Verdes, has been appointed to the Commission for Economic Development. Since 1984, he has been president of Kaji and Associates. From 1993 to 1999, Kaji served as director of the California Office of Trade and Investment in Tokyo, Japan. He is a member of the California Association of Realtors and was appointed by President George Bush to the President’s Export Council, where he served as a member from 1990 to 1992. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Kaji is a Republican.
Thomas Klein, 58, of San Francisco, has been reappointed to the California Travel and Tourism Commission, where he has served as a member since 2005. He has been proprietor of Rodney Strong Vineyards since 1989 and chairman and chief executive officer for Klein Bros. International from 1984 to 1993. Klein is chair of the Wine Institute Board of Directors, member of the World Presidents Organization and president of the First Tee of San Francisco. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Klein is a Republican.
Anthony Machado, 77, of Chowchilla, has been reappointed to the Madera District Fair Board of Directors (21-A District Agricultural Association), where he has served as a member since 2002, and is chairman of the livestock committee. He has owned Machado Dairy since 1955. Machado is a member of Youth Men’s Institute, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club and the Madera County Farm Bureau. Machado was honored as Madera’s “Most Unique Citizen” in 2006. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Machado is a Republican.
Patricia Manfredi, 59, of Madera, has been reappointed to the Madera District Fair Board of Directors (21-A District Agricultural Association), where she has served as a member since 2005. From 1999 to 2010, she served as executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Previously, she served on the Madera County Board of Supervisors from 1996 to 1998 and as executive director of Central California Ministries from 1992 to 1996. Manfredi owned The Confectionery Candy Store and Gift Shop from 1986 to 1992. She is a member of the Fresno and Madera Area Agency on Aging. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Manfredi is a Republican.
Thomas Nassif, 69, of Irvine, has been reappointed to the Commission for Economic Development, where he has served as a member since 2007. He has served as president and chief executive officer for Western Growers Association since 2002. Nassif was founding and managing partner of Aequitas International Consulting from 2001 to 2002. Previously, he served as president and chief executive officer of the Los Alamos Land Company from 1994 to 2001 and chair of Gulf Interstate Engineering from 1988 to 1994. Nassif served as a U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco from 1985 to 1988. He was deputy assistant secretary of state for Near East and South Asia affairs for the Department of the State from 1983 to 1985, chief of protocol (A) for the White House from 1982 to 1983, where he also served as deputy chief of protocol from 1981 to 1982. Prior to that, he was partner for Gray Cary Ames and Frye from 1980 to 1981. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1969. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Nassif is a Republican.
Harvey Petitt, 57, of Chowchilla, has been reappointed to the Madera District Fair Board of Directors (21-A District Agricultural Association), where he has served as a member since 1992. He has owned Chow II Real Estate Development Management since 1996. Previously, Petitt owned Classic Roasters from 1986 to 1989, was general manager for Don Gragnani Farms from 1984 to 1996 and manager of sales for Western Farm Service from 1974 to 1984. He is a member of the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Petitt is a Republican.
Andrew Poat, 50, of San Diego, has been reappointed to the San Diego River Conservancy Governing Board, where he has served as a member since 2006. He has also served as vice president of public policy for the San Diego Economic Development Corporation since 2006. Previously, Poat was director of government relations for the city of San Diego from 2001 to 2006 and vice president of Stoorza, Ziegaus and Metzger from 2000 to 2001. Prior to that, he was chief deputy director for the California Department of Transportation from 1995 to 1999. Poat was deputy cabinet secretary for the Office of Governor Pete Wilson from 1993 to 1995 and undersecretary for the State and Consumer Services Agency from 1991 to 1993. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Poat is a Republican.
David Porges, 47, of Pasadena, has been reappointed to the CaliforniaVolunteers Commission, where he has served as a member since 2008. Since 1998, he has been senior manager and regional community leader of the Pacific Southwest for Deloitte. Previously, Porges worked for Coast Federal Bank as vice president of public affairs and corporate communications from 1994 to 1998, assistant vice president from 1992 to 1994, public affairs manager from 1992 to 1994 and public affairs officer from 1990 to 1991. He was communications specialist for Home Savings of America from 1987 to 1990. He is a member of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, Southern California Grant Makers Corporate Council and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles Community Investment Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Porges is a Democrat.
George Ricketts, 57, of Madera, has been reappointed to the Madera District Fair Board of Directors (21-A District Agricultural Association), where he has served as a member since 2006. He has owned Pools by Ricketts since 1979. Previously, Ricketts was store manager for Growers Supply from 1976 to 1979 and co-owner of Ricketts Employment Agency from 1973 to 1976. He is a member of the Workforce Development Commission and Madera County Economic Development Commission. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Ricketts is a Republican.
Lisa Spinali, 47, of San Francisco, has been reappointed to the CaliforniaVolunteers Commission, where she has served as a member since 2008. Since 2006, she has served as executive director of the San Francisco Education Fund. Previously, Spinali worked as an independent consultant in 2005 and vice president of civic engagement for the Omidyar Foundation from 2002 to 2004. She founded and served as partner of Ripple Effect Consulting from 1997 to 2002. Prior to that, Spinali was program director and senior consultant for the Presidio Leadership Center from 1995 to 1997 and senior manager of American Express from 1990 to 1994. She was a business services officer for Wells Fargo Bank from 1985 to 1988. Spinali is a member of the Oversight Committee, Department of Children Youth and Families, and the Jefferson Awards Advisory Board. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Spinali is a Democrat.
Aubry Stone, 66, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the Commission for Economic Development, where he has served as a member since 2003. He has served as president and chief executive officer for the California Black Chamber of Commerce since 1994. Previously, Stone was branch manager for Metropolitan Life from 1985 to 1994. He served in the U.S. Air Force as superintendent of operations from 1962 to 1984. Stone is a member of the California Department of Transportation Small Business Roundtable, Department of General Services Small Business Council and the California Public Utilities Diversity Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Stone is a Democrat.
Gary Strawn, 64, of Santee, has been appointed to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. He has served as an engineering consultant for Gary Strawn Consulting since 2007. Previously, Strawn was a program manager for Hamilton Sundstrand Power Systems from 1988 to 2006. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1988. Strawn is a member of Trout Unlimited, San Diego Fly Fishers, San Diego River Park Foundation, San Diego Stream Team, California Golden Trout Project and Friends of Santee River Park. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Strawn is a Republican.
Helen Torres, 41, of San Bernardino, has been reappointed to the CaliforniaVolunteers Commission, where she has served as a member since 2005. Since 2000, she has served as executive director of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality. Previously, Torres was a community relations officer for United Way of Greater Los Angeles from 1997 to 2000. Prior to that, she worked as an account supervisor for Laufer Associates from 1995 to 1997 and account manager for Burson Marsteller from 1993 to 1995. She is a member of the Hispanics Organized for Political Equality, Zero Divide Foundation and an advisory board member of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Torres is registered decline-to-state.
Gillian Zucker, 41, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the California Travel and Tourism Commission, where she has served as a member since 2005. She has been president of the Autoclub Speedway since 2005. Zucker was vice president of business operations and development at Daytona International Speedway from 2001 to 2005 and vice president of operational development for the Kansas Speedway from 1998 to 2001. She is a member of the Los Angeles Sports Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary. Zucker is a Republican.
