State

California tax director named new secretary of GovOps agency

Amy Tong, California's secretary of government operations, has stepped down from her role and the state's tax director is set to take over.

By Keely Quinlan

March 3, 2025

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom stands with actor Danny Trejo, left, and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland at a press conference at Raleigh Studios unveiling a vast expansion of California’s Film and Television Credit Program on October 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Mario Tama / Getty Images)

Amy Tong, California’s secretary of government operations has stepped down, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has named Nick Maduros, director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, to take over the agency, the governor’s office announced Friday.

Tong held the secretary position in the California California Government Operations Agency, also called Cal GovOps, since March 2022. Previously, she served as the state’s chief information officer and director of the California Department of Technology from 2016 to 2021. A GovOps spokesperson told StateScoop Tong will serve as a senior counselor to the governor, focusing on government efficiency, tech and innovation.

Tong’s job change was first reported by Industry Insider — California.

Maduros has served as director of CDTFA since 2017. He was chief of staff at the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2014 to 2017.

Cal GovOps was established in 2013 to lead the state’s improvement efforts across 13 departments, including strategic management of state resources and advancing innovation in government. The agency heads up the state’s broadband efforts and its exploration of generative artificial intelligence guided by an executive order Newsom signed in 2023 outlining the steps the state must take to deploy AI ethically and responsibly.

Tong also served as senior adviser to the California Broadband Council and a member of the Broadband Middle Mile Advisory Committee, which aims to close the state’s digital divide, according to her biography. She also served as a senior adviser to California Cybersecurity Integration Center.

“I am deeply grateful to Secretary Tong and her two-decade-plus career in state service improving the lives of Californians through some of the states’ most challenging moments,” Newsom said in the news release. “I look forward to her continued guidance to streamline government by leveraging emerging technology and improving public engagement.”

“Nick brings a committed, efficient, and forward-thinking approach that builds on Amy’s successful efforts that streamlined government services and reduced costs,” Newsom continued. “I am grateful for Nick’s dedicated leadership, and look forward to his partnership in driving innovation for the dreamers and doers of this state.”