Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday named longtime government and private-sector executive David S. Kim the new secretary of the State Transportation Agency, replacing Brian Annis.
The move represents a return to California for Kim, 55, a Virginia resident who most recently has been vice president for government affairs for Hyundai Motor Co. — and who once served as an aide to California Secretary of State Xavier Becerra when Becerra was a state Assembly member and then a member of the U.S. House.
Kim, a graduate of the University of Southern California, has held numerous other positions in local, state and federal governments.
Annis, who has held the transportation secretary position since last year, will be the new chief financial officer for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Annis has also held other executive leadership positions in state government. He is a graduate of the University of Washington.
Both Kim, 55, and Annis, 50, are Democrats. Kim’s position requires confirmation by the state Senate; Annis’ appointment does not. Both positions have an annual salary of about $209,940.
Newsom Names New Secretary of State Transportation Agency
David S. Kim has deep roots in California, having served as an aide to California Secretary of State Xavier Becerra when Becerra served in the state Assembly and then in the U.S. House. Brian Annis, who had been CalSTA secretary, will be the chief financial officer for the state's high-speed rail agency.
