Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today extended his deep felt gratitude to Michael Genest for his service to the people of California. Following Genest announcing his resignation, the Governor announced that he will appoint Ana Matosantos as director of the Department of Finance.

"Mike has a long and distinguished career of service to the people of California and he has been a tremendous asset to my Administration," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "As director of the Department of Finance for the past four years, he served a critical role navigating the state through the worst fiscal situation we have seen in decades and I am deeply grateful for his service, dedication and commitment to our state."

"I know Ana is the right person to take on this important role at such a crucial time for California. In the coming year, our state will have to make incredibly challenging and tough budget decisions, and Ana has the knowledge and expertise necessary to guide my Administration through that decision-making process," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "With an extensive history in state finances, she has been an incredible asset as a member of my staff and to the people of this great state and I look forward to continue working with her, as California's first Latina director of the Department of Finance, to move California forward."

Matosantos has served the Department of Finance as chief deputy director since 2008. Prior to that, she served as deputy legislative secretary for health and human services and veterans affairs in the Office of the Governor from 2007 to 2008. From 2006 to 2007, Matosantos served as associate secretary for legislative affairs for the Health and Human Services Agency (HHS) and, from 2004 to 2006, was assistant secretary for program and fiscal affairs at HHS. Prior to that, she was also a consultant to the Senate Committee's on Health and Human Services and Budget and Fiscal Review from 1999 to 2004.

"I am honored the Governor has given me this opportunity to continue serving the people of California," said Ana Matosantos. "I look forward to using my experience working with state government finance to work with the Governor and his Administration to put California on the right track."

Matosantos, 34, of Sacramento, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Stanford University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,000. Matosantos is a Democrat.