Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday appointed of one of his senior adviser’s to the California Public Utilities Commission, filling the panel’s vacancy with a renewable energy expert who also serves as a local Sacramento utility director.
Michael Picker, 62, has worked in the governor’s office as the senior adviser for renewable energy since 2009. In 2012, he was elected to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District Board of Directors. Picker, a Democrat, will resign both posts before taking the oath of office as a commissioner for CPUC, according to the announcement.
"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Commissioner Picker to the CPUC," President Michael R. Peevey said in a statement. "He is no stranger to the workings of government and is a top energy policy expert. I have no doubt that he will bring the same sharp intellect to the other industries the CPUC regulates."
Prior to working in Brown’s office, Picker was principal at Lincoln Crow Strategic communications from 2000 to 2009 and a consultant at Kaufman Campaign Consultants from 2000 to 2002.
Picker worked as the deputy treasurer in the state treasurer’s office from 1998 to 1999 and was the chief of staff to Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna Jr. from 1992 to 1999.
Picker joins current commissioners Peevey, Michel Peter Florio, Catherine J.K. Sandoval and Carla J. Peterman. He fills the vacancy left by Mark Ferron who resigned for health reasons.
