Thursday, February 15, 2007
Page 3
Epstein Becker Partner Appointed Secretary of State Agency
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Epstein Becker & Green partner Dale E. Bonner has been named secretary of California’s Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, the governor’s office announced yesterday.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement that Bonner’s background in both state government and the private sector will be “tremendous assets” as the government seeks to implement bonds and public-private partnership toward improving the state’s infrastructure.
Bonner said he looks forward to working with the governor in his efforts to stimulate California’s economy.
“I have had a lifelong interest in public service and am honored Governor Schwarzenegger has chosen me for this position,” the 41-year-old Republican remarked in a statement.
The lawyer returns to the agency after having served as its deputy secretary and general counsel from 1996 to 1998.
His experience in the public sector also includes serving as deputy legal affairs secretary for then-Gov. Pete Wilson from 1992 to 1996, and commissioner for the California Department of Corporations from 1998 to 1999.
In 2004, he was appointed by Schwarzenegger to the California Performance Review Commission, which evaluates proposals for restructuring the state’s executive branch of government.
He currently serves as the governor’s appointee on the California Science Center’s board of directors.
Bonner was admitted to the State Bar in 1991 and specializes in health care law, government contracts and technology matters.
His health law practice focuses on regulatory compliance and transactional matters on behalf of companies in the managed care, retail pharmacy and behavioral, health segments of the health care industry. In his government contracts and technology practice, he represents domestic and foreign technology management services firms in state and local procurement matters.
David Jacobs, managing partner of Epstein Becker’s Los Angeles office commented to the MetNews Bonner was very well-qualified for the position.
“It was probably only natural for the governor to reach out to somebody with Dale’s qualifications for this position,” he said. “Obviously, we’ll miss him here at the firm, and look forward to his return after he’s done serving the people of the state of California.”
Prior to joining the Century City office of Epstein Becker in 2002, Bonner was of counsel to the firm of Hogan & Hartson.
Bonner holds degrees from USC and the Georgetown University Law Center.
No senate confirmation necessary for his position, which pays $157,000 annually.
Copyright 2007, Metropolitan News Company