Mike Chrisman, California Secretary for Resources

 

A fourth generation Californian and San Joaquin Valley resident, Mike Chrisman was named California Secretary for Resources by Governor Schwarzenegger in November 2003. As a member of the governor's cabinet, Secretary Chrisman serves as his chief advisor on issues related to the states' natural, historic, and cultural resources.

In leading the Resources Agency, Secretary Chrisman oversees policies, activities, and a budget of $6.4 billion and 16,000 employees in 25 departments, commissions, boards and conservancies. The issues run the natural resources gamut from conservation, water, fish and game, forestry, parks, energy, coastal, marine and landscape.

Prior to his appointment Secretary Chrisman served as Region Manager for Southern California Edison Company from 1996 to 2003. There he managed all phases of company and customer business, and the political and civic activities in Edison's San Joaquin Valley service area. He served as Undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) from 1994 to 1996 during which time he provided leadership in the development and implementation of sound policy for the state's agricultural industry and consumers. Secretary Chrisman's lifelong commitment to family ranching proved invaluable in the development of policies to sustain the Central Valley's economy.

In 1997, Governor Pete Wilson appointed Secretary Chrisman to the California Fish and Game Commission, where he also served as Chairman of the Wildlife Conservation Board. From 1991 to 1994 he served at the Resources Agency as Deputy Secretary for Operations and Legislation in the Wilson Administration. He was staff director of the Assembly Republican Caucus in 1991, advising members of the Legislature on environmental, water and agriculture issues. From 1986 to 1991, Secretary Chrisman served as Chief of Staff to former Assemblyman Bill Jones, managing the Central Valley member's State Capitol and district offices and specializing in agriculture, water and environmental issues.

Throughout his career, Secretary Chrisman has been known as the 'go to' person to facilitate solutions for local and regional challenges. Often behind the scenes, he has been responsible for incalculable positive impacts throughout the region in many far-reaching ways. His commitment to the agriculture industry combined with his unwavering passion for protecting the state's natural resources, has   established the foundation from which he has been able to provide bold and  compassionate environmental leadership.

Secretary Chrisman holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy and Plant Science from the University of Arizona. He is an owner and partner of Visalia's Chrisman Ranches, a family ranching and farming business in Tulare County.

He and his wife Barbara have two children and five grandchildren.