Gov. Newsom’s Latest Appointees Include Sacramento Advocate for Formerly Incarcerated Students; State’s New Tech Chief

September 17, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom made eight appointments on August 19th, with notable selections including Ayushi Roy as the state's chief technology officer and the reappointment of Michael Love to the State Rehabilitation Council. Roy brings extensive government technology experience and teaches at Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on bridging gaps between government programs and their intended beneficiaries. Love continues his council work while serving as an outreach coordinator at Sacramento State, where he supports formerly incarcerated students through Project Rebound.

Who is affected

Ayushi Roy (appointed as state chief technology officer)
Michael Love (reappointed to State Rehabilitation Council)
Eric De La Cruz (appointed as executive director of the Racial Equity Commission)
Christine Aurigemma (appointed to State Rehabilitation Council)
Lisa Weiler, Michelle Bello, and Matthew Asner (reappointed to State Rehabilitation Council)
Formerly incarcerated students at Sacramento State
California Department of Technology
People intended to be served by government programs
Students in Roy's Harvard courses

What action is being taken

Roy is teaching at Harvard Kennedy School (since 2022)
Love is working as an outreach coordinator at California State University, Sacramento (since 2024)
De La Cruz is serving as chief of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Toxic Substances Control (since 2022)
Love is serving on the State Rehabilitation Council (since 2025)

Why it matters

These appointments are significant because they place experienced professionals in positions to improve how California delivers government services and supports vulnerable populations. Roy's expertise in bridging the gap between government programs and citizens could enhance technology implementation across state agencies, while Love's work with formerly incarcerated students brings important perspective to vocational rehabilitation services. De La Cruz's appointment to lead the Racial Equity Commission demonstrates the state's commitment to addressing systemic inequities through dedicated leadership.

What's next

Roy's appointment requires Senate confirmation before she can officially assume the role of state chief technology officer.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint