CDTFA Chief Nick Maduros Named GovOps Secretary

Amy Tong has stepped down as secretary of the state Government Operations Agency (GovOps), and Gov. Gavin Newsom announced late Friday afternoon that she’s being succeeded by Nick Maduros of Davis, who served most recently as director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

Tong was appointed GovOps secretary in March 2022 after having served as the state chief information officer and director of the California Department of Technology, which is part of GovOps.

Tong, who was named a Top 25 Doer, Dreamer and Driver in 2023 by Government Technology*, “will continue to lead the administration’s efforts on improving government efficiencies and driving innovative government solutions,” said a news release from the Governor’s Office.

While Maduros led CDTFA, “he administered over 40 tax and fee programs which generated more than $96 billion in revenue last fiscal year,” the news release said. “During his tenure at the department, CDTFA has cut the cost to administer a dollar of revenue by more than 28% percent while improving taxpayer service.”

In the release, Newsom says: “Nick brings a committed, efficient, and forward-thinking approach that builds on Amy’s successful efforts that streamlined government services and reduced costs. I am grateful for Nick’s dedicated leadership, and look forward to his partnership in driving innovation for the dreamers and doers of this state.”

Newsom also acknowledged Tong’s role in state government, where she’s served in multiple departmental leadership roles.

“I am deeply grateful to Secretary Tong and her two-decade-plus career in state service improving the lives of Californians through some of the states’ most challenging moments,” Newsom said. “I look forward to her continued guidance to streamline government by leveraging emerging technology and improving public engagement.”

*Government Technology is a sister publication of Industry Insider — California.