Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.
Louise Bedsworth has been named Executive Director of the Strategic Growth Council, a state agency that brings together multiple agencies and departments to support sustainable communities emphasizing strong economies, social equity and environmental stewardship. Prior to joining SGC, Louise was the Deputy Director of the Office of Planning and Research in Governor Jerry Brown’s office. At OPR she led work on a number of collaborative research initiatives and climate change adaptation and resilience, including development of the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program and implementation of the State’s $70 million grant awarded under the National Disaster Resilience Competition. Before joining OPR in 2011, Louise was a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, where her work focused on climate change adaptation, local government action on climate change, and transportation. She has also held positions at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Redefining Progress, and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis.
Todd D. Irby, 60, of Rocklin, has been named to an interim appointment for a judgeship in the Placer County Superior Court. Irby has served as a commissioner at the Placer County Superior Court since 2017. He served as deputy secretary and chief counsel at the California Department of Veterans Affairs from 2012 to 2017 and as a deputy attorney general at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General from 2007 to 2012. Irby was a sole practitioner from 2006 to 2007 and of counsel at the Duffy Law Firm from 2004 to 2006. He was a partner at Hess-Verdon and Irby from 2000 to 2004 and an associate at Hess-Verdon and Associates from 1995 to 2000. Irby was an associate at Martin, Wilson, Fingal and MacDowell from 1994 to 1995 and at Garrett, Jensen and Sanders from 1991 to 1994. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Pepperdine University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio State University. Irby was elected in June, 2018 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Frances A. Kearney. The Governor’s appointment allows him to immediately assume the position he was otherwise elected to begin in January, 2019. Irby is a Democrat.
Rosanne Bonilla, 59, of Madera, has been reappointed to the 21st District Agricultural Association, Madera District Fair Board of Directors, where she has served since 2012. Bonilla has been a real estate broker and office manager at Nora and Associates Realty since 1994. She is a member of the Madera Association of Realtors, St. Joachim’s Parish Council, Madera Beautification Committee and the Madera District Fair Heritage Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Bonilla is a Democrat.
Billie Jelks-Hood, 74, of Madera, has been reappointed to the 21st District Agricultural Association, Madera District Fair Board of Directors, where she has served since 2012. Jelks-Hood was a financial program control analyst at FMC Corporation from 1985 to 2008. She is a member of the National Women’s Political Caucus, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Madera County Democratic Club, Fresno County Democratic Women’s Club and the University of California Cooperative Extension, Master Gardeners of Fresno County. Jelks-Hood is a lifetime member of Black Women Organized for Political Action. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Jelks-Hood is a Democrat.
Lois Leonard, 59, of Madera, has been reappointed to the 21st District Agricultural Association, Madera District Fair Board of Directors, where she has served since 2006. Leonard has been business assistance office manager at the Madera County Economic Development Commission since 2002. She was a bookkeeper at Vineyard Growers Supply from 1997 to 2007, worship leader at the Harvest Community Church from 2000 to 2008, office manager at Conifer Paper from 1987 to 1991 and a customer service representative at Inland Container from 1982 to 1986. Leonard is a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, Chapter VO. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Leonard is a Republican.
Patricia Manfredi, 67, of Madera, has been reappointed to the 21st District Agricultural Association, Madera District Fair Board of Directors, where she has served since 2005. Manfredi was executive director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley Inc. from 1999 to 2010. She was a member of the Madera County Board of Supervisors from 1996 to 1998, an executive director for Central California Ministries Inc. from 1992 to 1996 and owner at the Confectionery from 1986 to 1991. Manfredi is a member of the Madera District Fair Heritage Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Manfredi is a Republican.
Stephanie Simonian, 63, of Madera, has been reappointed to the 21st District Agricultural Association, Madera District Fair Board of Directors, where she has served since 2016. Simonian has been vice president at 47th Place Carpet and Linoleum Inc. since 1984. She is a member of the Oakhurst Community Center, Oakhurst Sierra Rotary Club and Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Simonian is a Democrat.
Claire Tauriainen, 46, of El Dorado Hills, has been appointed general counsel at the California Housing Finance Agency, where she has been an assistant general counsel and single family team lead since 2007. She was an associate attorney in family and real property law at the Stockdale Law Firm from 2006 to 2007, an associate broker in residential sales at Realty World-Point Richmond from 2002 to 2005 and an attorney in civil litigation at McNamara, Dodge, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges and Ambacher LLP from 2002 to 2003. Tauriainen earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $181,452. Tauriainen is a Democrat.