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SACRAMENTO – Veteran Capitol staff member Darby Kernan has been appointed Legislative Representative in the area of Administration of Justice for the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Executive Director Matt Cate has announced. Her first day at CSAC is February 2.

Ms. Kernan has been serving as the Principal Consultant for the Senate President Pro Tempore, playing a key role in both legislation and on the state budget. She has been responsible for public safety and mental health budgets and policy assignments; staffed the Senate Public Safety Committee; and developed legislative priorities in public safety.

Prior to her position in the Senate President Pro Tempore’s Office, Ms. Kernan served as the Assistant Secretary in the Office of Legislation for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In that position, she provided oversight on key legislation and advised executive management on developments concerning significant legislation impacting adult and juvenile corrections.

“We are excited to have an individual with Darby’s experience, insight and skills join the CSAC team,” Cate said. “She has an excellent reputation in Sacramento and is an expert in the field of administration of justice. Darby will be a strong asset to our Association as we move forward on public safety realignment and other key public safety issues.”

Ms. Kernan has worked in the Capitol for the past 15 years. Her background also includes strong political experience out in the field, as well as working as a journalist and also a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa.

“I am honored to join this great team and work for such a respected organization on behalf of counties,” Ms. Kernan said. “It is an incredible opportunity and I look forward to bringing my 15 years of service at the state level to help address the complex issues that county government faces every day.”

The California State Association of Counties is the voice of California’s 58 counties at the state and federal level.