Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of Marybel Batjer as President of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Batjer currently serves as the first-ever Secretary of the California Government Operations Agency. 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 the implementation of initiatives to green state government and promote renewable energy.
Prior to taking office at CPUC, Batjer will complete her work later this month as head of Governor Newsom’s Department of Motor Vehicles Strike Team, which has already begun implementation of key changes, "to transition the California Department of Motor Vehicles into a more customer-friendly and user-centered culture."
Before heading the Government Operations Agency, Batjer was Vice President for Public Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility at Caesars Entertainment Inc.
Batjer also served as 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.