SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today announced the creation of the Office of the First Partner within the Governor’s executive team.
The First Partner and her team will focus on lifting up women and their families, breaking down barriers for our youth, and furthering the cause of gender equity in California.
“I have always been so proud of Jennifer’s important work shifting cultural norms and advancing the cause of gender equality across our society. I am excited that she will focus her efforts and expertise on our California communities, and help ensure that California continues to lead on issues of equality,” said Governor Newsom.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of California as First Partner, and I am excited to use this platform to continue advocating for gender equality across our great state. The work of the Office of the First Partner will be about inclusivity, breaking down old stereotypes, and forging a new more equitable path forward,” said First Partner Newsom.
As part of the creation of the Office of the First Partner, the Governor announced the appointment of two senior public servants to lead the office’s efforts.
Today he announced:
Becky Beland McNaught, 32, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Partner. McNaught previously served as the Democratic Counsel for the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and was the lead author of the committee’s 2017 minority staff report “Tackling the Gender Gap: What Women Entrepreneurs Need to Thrive.” She was also the Counsel to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, whom she advised on judiciary, immigration, civil rights, and other policy issues. McNaught was a long-time aide to Maria Shriver and served as the deputy managing editor of The Shriver Report and the deputy development director of Shriver’s Women’s Conference. McNaught earned an undergraduate degree from New York University and a Juris Doctor degree from American University’s Washington College of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $145,000. McNaught is a Democrat.
Hannah Milgrom, 28, of San Francisco, has been appointed Director of Communications in the Office of the First Partner. Milgrom most recently served as Surrogate Director on the Newsom for Governor Campaign, where she managed all public appearances and communications for First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Milgrom has worked for First Partner Newsom in several capacities, including as her longtime speechwriter and as her Communications Manager at The Representation Project. She also worked previously as a public policy aide at Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles. Milgrom earned an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100,000. Milgrom is a Democrat.
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