After more than 15 years with the Office of Administrative Law, Debra Marcelle Cornez was appointed director by Governor Jerry Brown in April 2012.

Cornez received a bachelor of science degree from California State University, Fresno, before earning a juris doctorate degree from McGeorge School of Law. She was licensed to practice law in 1983. After law school, Cornez joined the law school as staff counsel at its Institute for Administrative Justice. She left in 1986 for the Office of Administrative Law where she has held muliple positions.

Cornez was interim director in 2003-2004 and assistant chief counsel from 2005 to 2011. She was acting director in 2011-12 before her appointment as director.

Governor Brown Appoints Director for the Office of Administrative Law (pdf)