Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.
Rosa Gomez, of Visalia, has been appointed to the 24th District Agricultural Association (Tulare Fair Board). Gomez has been Owner at Forms Assist LLC since 2020. She was a Receptionist at Park Visalia from 2021 to 2022. Gomez was Event Coordinator at Hands in the Community in 2019, a family Literacy Coach at Pro-Youth from 2015 to 2016 and a Correctional Officer at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 1988 to 2006. She is a member of the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gomez is a Democrat.
Teal Kozel, of Yuba City, has been reappointed to the Board of Parole Hearings, where she has served since 2022. Kozel was Senior Psychologist Supervisor in the Forensic Assessment Division at the Board of Parole Hearings from 2009 to 2022. She was a Psychologist Specialist at the California Medical Facility in 2009. Kozel was a Staff Psychologist and Suicide Prevention Coordinator at San Quentin State Prison from 2007 to 2009. She was a Staff Psychologist at Napa State Hospital from 2004 to 2007. Kozel earned a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Baylor University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $192,407. Kozel is a Democrat.
William Muniz, of Marina, has been reappointed to the Board of Parole Hearings, where he has served since 2022. Muniz served as Chief Deputy Administrator of the Prison to Employment Initiative at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2019 to 2020. He held several positions at Salinas Valley State Prison from 1998 to 2019, including Correctional Sergeant, Correctional Lieutenant, Captain, Associate Warden, Chief Deputy Warden, and Warden. Muniz was a Correctional Officer at the Correctional Training Facility from 1994 to 1998. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $192,407. Muniz is a Republican.