Burke-Harris, Richardson Resign from Newsom Administration Posts

This week, two notable departures from the Newsom Administration were announced. Below, we highlight these announcements:

Burke-Harris to Step Down as California Surgeon General

Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris, California’s first Surgeon General, announced on Tuesday she is resigning her position. Burke-Harris began her role as the state’s inaugural Surgeon General in February 2019. Her last day in her position will be February 11.

In a statement issued by the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, Newsom applauded Harris’ “expertise and leadership in championing equity, mental health, and early childhood development.” The Newsom Administration has not yet announced a successor for the position. Dr. Devika Bhushan, Chief Health Officer in the Office of the California Surgeon General, will fill the role on an acting basis upon Burke-Harris’ departure this month.

A full statement from Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris is available here.

Richardson to Depart Government Operations Agency

Government Operations (GovOps) Agency Secretary Yolanda Richardson also announced on Thursday that she would be stepping down from her role in the Newsom Administration. Secretary Richardson will depart GovOps on March 2 to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the San Francisco Health Plan.

Richardson served as GovOps Secretary for two years and within days of beginning her role was tasked with overseeing the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution agreement with Blue Shield of California, serving as a third-party administrator (TPA). Richardson promoted the COVID-19 vaccine in her role, visiting disproportionately impacted communities statewide as part of the state’s “Get Out the Vaccine” campaign.