Sacramento, CA – County Welfare Directors Association of California Executive Director Cathy Senderling-McDonald released the following statement today on Governor Gavin Newsom’s appointments to key leadership positions within the Health and Human Services Agency:

“Will Lightbourne’s history of selfless public service at the county and state level is one that few can match. County human services agencies are proud to claim him as one of our own and will miss his steady leadership at the state level.

“Michelle Baass is an excellent choice to follow Director Lightbourne as the next DHCS Director. We have developed a strong working relationship with her during her time as Undersecretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency as well as her prior service in the Senate. She brings tremendous experience and expertise across the health and human services system that will be invaluable as she assumes this new role.

“We also look forward to continuing our close working partnership with Marko Mijic, another longtime, knowledgeable public appointee and congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment.”