GovOps Undersecretary Harada to Transition to CPUC

Christine Harada, who joined the Government Operations Agency as undersecretary late last year, is leaving the agency for a commission appointment with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Her last day with GovOps was Friday.

In August, Harada was tapped by Gov. Gavin Newsom to replace Sarah Soto-Taylor as undersecretary for the agency, while Soto-Taylor transitioned to the deputy secretary of strategic development role, according to her LinkedIn profile.

The CPUC is the state entity tasked with regulating privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit and passenger transportation companies on behalf of consumers.

Prior to the appointment to the GovOps undersecretary role, Harada served as a senior adviser to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and held several roles in the private sector, including president of i(x) Investments.

The announcement of her new position on CPUC also included the announcement of a new board president in John Reynolds and the news that former President Alice Reynolds (unrelated) would be departing for a position on the California Independent System Operator Governing Board in February.

Harada holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in international studies from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Her appointment will require Senate confirmation.