Governor Gavin Newsom announced a series of state appointments, including a new State Epidemiologist, a Tribal Advisor, and a member of the California Citizens Compensation Commission. The Governor’s office reported the selections, which do not require Senate confirmation.
Colin Brown Appointed State Epidemiologist
Colin Brown, of Soquel, has been appointed State Epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health. According to the Governor’s office, Brown has been the United Kingdom Health Security Agency Lead for the National Institute for Health and Care Research-funded Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance and a Visiting Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Oxford since 2025. His previous roles include Deputy Director for Epidemic and Emerging Infections at the UK Health Security Agency and Co-Director of a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. Brown’s compensation is $282,000.
Jay LaPlante Named Tribal Advisor
Jay LaPlante, of Seattle, Washington, has been appointed Tribal Advisor at the California Public Utilities Commission. The appointment announcement states that LaPlante has been a Tribal and Community Engagement Consultant at Kauffman & Associates, Inc. since 2025. His experience includes serving as a National Tribal Affairs Advisor at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a Tribal Liaison at the California State Office of the Bureau of Land Management. LaPlante is a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation and founder of the Native Wellness Institute. His compensation is $150,324.
Michela Alioto-Pier Joins Citizens Compensation Commission
Michela Alioto-Pier, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Citizens Compensation Commission. The Governor’s announcement notes that Alioto-Pier has been Chief Government Affairs Officer of North American Hull Optimization since 2025. She previously served as Supervisor of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 2, from 2004 to 2011. Alioto-Pier’s compensation is $100 per diem.
