Gov. Jerry Brown has picked a longtime loyalist as his chief of staff for the final months of his fourth term.
Diana Dooley, a Hanford native and Fresno State graduate, was named to the position Thursday by Brown.
She replaces Nancy McFadden, who died of cancer in March after serving as Brown’s top aide since he returned to the governor’s office in 2011.

Dooley First Joined Brown’s Team in 1975

During Brown’s first two terms as governor, from 1975 to 1983, Dooley served as Brown’s legislative director and a special assistant.
Since 2011, Dooley has headed up California’s Health and Human Services Agency, which includes the Medi-Cal program.

Dooley Is Former Valley Children’s Hospital VP

Before rejoining the Brown administration, she was general counsel and vice president of Valley Children’s Hospital (2000-2006) and CEO of the California Children’s Hospital Association.
Dooley earned a Juris Doctor degree from the San Joaquin College of Law.

Wilkening Replaces Dooley

Michael Wilkening, the Health and Human Services undersecretary, steps into Dooley’s spot.