SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of Joe Stephenshaw as Director of the California Department of Finance, filling the role held by Keely Martin Bosler since 2018.
“Throughout unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Keely has expertly steered the state’s finances with a commitment to expanding opportunity, improving the lives of Californians and maintaining a solid fiscal foundation,” said Governor Newsom. “Confronted with the pandemic-driven economic crisis, Keely led our work to provide historic relief to get Californians back on their feet and lay the groundwork for our recovery, all while moving the state forward on key priorities – from climate action to health care access, addressing homelessness, and early childhood education. Keely has never lost sight of the everyday realities of Californians in every corner of our state, centering equity and compassion in her wide-ranging work over two decades in public service. I’m deeply grateful to Keely for lending her exceptional leadership, talents, unique perspective and profound dedication to our work to build a better future for all Californians.”
Stephenshaw has served as Senior Counselor on Infrastructure and Fiscal Affairs in the Office of the Governor since March 2022.
“Joe’s deep knowledge and experience of the state’s finances and the role that budgets play in moving our priorities forward – expanding opportunity, protecting public safety and fighting climate change – make him uniquely qualified to be California’s next Director of Finance,” added Governor Newsom. “I thank him for stepping up to lead our accomplished team at the Department of Finance as we continue to invest in California values and build stability for years to come.”
Joe Stephenshaw, 47, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Finance. Stephenshaw was Staff Director for the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee from 2017 to 2022. He held multiple positions in the California Legislature from 2008 to 2017, including serving as a Policy Consultant in the Office of the Senate President pro Tempore, a Special Advisor to the Speaker of the Assembly, and as a Budget Consultant for both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. Stephenshaw was a Budget Analyst for the California Department of Finance from 2005 to 2008. Stephenshaw earned a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Sacramento. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $232,858. Stephenshaw is a Democrat.