NR No. 22-05
Contact: Loree Levy/Aubrey Henry
916-654-9029
mediainquiries@edd.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – EDD Director Rita Saenz issued the following statement on the Governor's announcement today to promote Chief Deputy Director Nancy Farias to EDD Department Director.
“I am proud of the many reforms and new programs EDD put in place during the last year, and Nancy Farias has the energy and direct experience to keep this positive momentum going,” said retiring EDD Director Rita Saenz. “I was proud to have this opportunity to work with a team of committed and caring people. I was privileged to work directly with Nancy Farias during this important time of transformation at EDD and am thrilled that the Governor is taking action to continue that positive momentum with Nancy’s appointment as Director.”
“Director Saenz has been a kind and effective leader during the many challenges of this pandemic emergency,” said incoming EDD Director Nancy Farias. “I am deeply committed to ensuring that progress continues for the benefit of millions of Californians.”
Rita Saenz came out of retirement, following decades of public service, to help EDD implement new reforms, including valuable recommendations from the Strike Team and State Auditor. During her tenure and in partnership with Nancy Farias she has helped strengthen EDD operations and increase service for claimants, strengthen fraud fighting, improve technology, speed benefit payments, and remove barriers to accessing EDD’s benefit programs, improving the customer experience, and furthering outreach to California’s diverse communities.