Kim Johnson
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Kim Johnson was appointed secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency in September 2024 by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Prior to her appointment as secretary, Ms. Johnson was appointed director of the California Department of Social Services by Gov. Newsom, a position she held from July 2019 to August 2024. In this role, Ms. Johnson led a team of over 5,500 employees — the largest department in the California Health and Human Services Agency — serving over 7 million Californians.
Ms. Johnson started with the California Department of Social Services in 2015 and had previously been appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to serve as deputy director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division, CalWORKs and Child Care branch chief, and Child Care and Refugee Programs branch chief.
Ms. Johnson has over 25 years of experience working in both community-based organizations and government, focused on advancing the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities most in need of resources. The mission of the California Health and Human Services Agency is aligned with her purpose.