Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Jan Sturla Director of Department of Child Support Services

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

November 21, 2008

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Jan Sturla as director of the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS).

"Jan Sturla has a strong record of leadership on child support issues at both the state and local level. His focus on program performance and his record in statewide leadership on behalf of county child support programs makes him well-suited to lead the department," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I thank David Maxwell-Jolly for his role in implementing California's first statewide child support automated system. His leadership in the project has resulted in an end to costly federal penalties and the successful launch of a program that will help ensure that millions of California children will get the support they need."

Sturla has served as director for the Orange County Department of Child Support Services since 1999, where he has been responsible for the executive management of approximately 100,000 child support cases, 630 employees and an annual budget of $55 million. Previously, he worked for the Orange County District Attorney's Office from 1992 to 1999, where he served as supervising deputy district attorney for the family support division and trial attorney for a number of divisions including felony trials, sexual assault and child abuse, homicide and consumer and environmental protection units.

"The state child support program represents a very important lifeline for over a million children and families in California," said Jan Sturla. "I am honored to have been chosen by Governor Schwarzenegger to direct this important work."

Sturla, 62, of San Clemente, earned a Juris Doctorate degree and graduated cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from California State University, Fullerton. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $142,965. Sturla is a Republican and will take office on January 1, 2009.

Governor Schwarzenegger also announced the appointment of Kathleen Hrepich as deputy director and chief counsel of DCSS.

"Kathleen's vast experience in child support issues makes her the best candidate for this position," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I know that she will do a great job for California's children and families."

Hrepich, 62, of Grass Valley, has served as the director of the Sierra Nevada Regional Department of Child Support Services since 2000. Previously, she served as chief deputy district attorney for the Nevada County District Attorney's Office from 1999 to 2000 and director of family support for the California District Attorneys Association from 1994 to 1999. Hrepich earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Lincoln Law School in Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $139,536. Hrepich is a Democrat and will take office on January 1, 2009.

"I look forward to working with Jan and applying my previous experience to this position," said Kathleen Hrepich. "I am honored to have been appointed and look forward to serving the children of California."

The mission of DCSS is to promote the well-being of children and the self-sufficiency of families by assisting both parents to meet the financial, medical and emotional needs of their children. The department and the local child support agencies that it oversees establish, collect and distribute child support for children in California, as well as establish spousal and medical support and determine paternity.