Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California’s rural counties.
Andrew “Dru” Alejandre, of Corning, has been appointed Executive Secretary of the California Native American Heritage Commission. Alejandre has been Tribal Liaison at Emic Health Services since 2024 and Co-Founder and Vice President of the Tribal Leadership Council since 2024. He was the Chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians from 2016 to 2025, and Council Secretary from 2014 to 2016. Alejandre is the Board Chair of Tepa Companies and the Tribal Leadership Council Foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $152,064. Alejandre is a Democrat.
Wendy R. Casas, of Yolo County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Solano County Superior Court. Casas has been a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Wendy Casas since 2018. She served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Solano County Public Defender’s Office from 2007 to 2018 and as a Deputy Public Defender at the Kern County Public Defender’s Office from 2005 to 2007. Casas received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Christine A. Carringer. Casas is a Democrat. The compensation for this position is $244,727.
Ukau Dungca, of El Dorado Hills, has been appointed to the California State Lottery Commission. Dungca has served as a Sergeant for California Highway Patrol since 2022, and was previously an Officer from 2009 to 2022. He was a Site Coordinator for the County of Sacramento from 2005 to 2008. Dungca earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Dungca is a Libertarian.
Rodney Ellison, of West Sacramento, has been reappointed to the State 9-1-1 Advisory Board, where he has served since 2023. Ellison has been Assistant Commander for Field at California Highway Patrol since 2024, where he has held several roles since 2020, including Chief and Central Division Commander and Assistant Chief. He is the Founder of the Central Valley Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Ellison earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Washington. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Ellison is a Democrat.
Charlotte Scott, of Mendocino County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Mendocino County Superior Court. Scott has served in numerous roles at the Mendocino County Counsel’s Office including as County Counsel since 2024, Assistant County Counsel from 2020 to 2024, and Deputy County Counsel from 2016 to 2020. She worked as a solo practitioner at the Law Offices of Charlotte E. Scott from 2008 to 2016. Scott was a Contract Attorney at Brayton Purcell from 2006 to 2008 where she was also an Associate from 2003 to 2004. She served as a Deputy County Counsel at the Lake County Counsel’s Office in 2006. Scott worked as an Associate at Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky from 2004 to 2006. Scott received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Cindee F. Mayfield. Scott is a Democrat. The compensation for this position is $244,727.
Roger Wilson, of Fresno County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Tulare County Superior Court. Wilson has been a solo practitioner at the Law Offices of Roger D. Wilson since 2012. He has worked as Counsel at Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver since 2014. Wilson was an Associate at Nuttall Coleman & Wilson from 2009 to 2012. He served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office from 2001 to 2008 and as a Deputy District Attorney at the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office from 1999 to 2001. Wilson received a Juris Doctor from San Joaquin College of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Hugo J. Loza. Wilson is registered without party preference. The compensation for this position is $244,727.