FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2017

SACRAMENTO ­– The California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) announced the
selection of Craig Cornett, Budget Director and Chief Fiscal Advisor for the California Senate as its new chief executive officer and president. Cornett will succeed CEO/President Jim Gomez, who is retiring. Gomez, who has served as the association’s leader since 2002, will continue as a consultant to insure a smooth transition.

Cornett has worked as the Senate finance director for the past nine years under President Pro Tempore Kevin de León and former Senate President Pro Tem and current Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg.

 “The CAHF Executive Committee is pleased to have found a new executive who has proven financial and analytical skills as well as a deep understanding of statewide policy issues,” said Julianne Williams, Chair of the CAHF Board of Directors.  “The committee and the CAHF Board agree his experience will complement the mission of CAHF to provide quality long-term care services for frail and elderly residents.”

Before his service in the state Senate, Cornett held a similar position for four Speakers of the California Assembly including Robert Hertzberg, Herb Wesson, Fabian Nunez and Karen Bass. He also worked for the non-partisan California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) for 17 years, including 13 years as Director of the LAO’s Criminal Justice and State Administration section.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work in the challenging and rewarding profession of long-term care,” said Cornett. “I hope to share my experience with CAHF’s highly engaged membership to make sure our providers have the tools and resources they need to provide quality care.”

Cornett is a member of the board of directors of The Golden 1 Credit Union and recently completed a two-year term as board chair. He has been featured regularly in Capitol Weekly’s annual “Top 100” political and policy players in California.

He received his Master of Public Affairs degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and his B.A. from Washington and Lee University.  Cornett will begin his new role at CAHF on Dec. 4.