Joe Stephenshaw has been appointed as director of the California Department of Finance, succeeding Keely Martin Bosler, who has served in that capacity since 2018. Governor Gavin Newsom made the announcement.
“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 named Director of the California Department of Finance. From 2017 until 2022, Stephenshaw served as Staff Director for the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee.
From 2008 to 2017, he worked in the California Legislature in a variety of capacities, including as a Policy Consultant in the Senate President pro Tempore’s Office, a Special Advisor to the Speaker of the Assembly, and a Budget Consultant for both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee.
From 2005 to 2008, Stephenshaw worked as a Budget Analyst at the California Department of Finance. California State University, Sacramento awarded Stephenshaw a Master of Business Administration degree.
This position requires Senate confirmation and pays $227,178. Stephenshaw is a Democrat.