A native of Hanford, California, Diana S. Dooley was appointed Health and Human Services secretary by Governor Jerry Brown in 2010. She received a bachelor’s degree in social science from California State University, Fresno, in 1972 and a law degree from San Joaquin College of Law in 1995.

In between her academic pursuits, Dooley took a job as an analyst at the State Personnel Board in 1975 before being appointed to the staff of Governor Jerry Brown, where she served as legislative director and special assistant until his term ended in 1983. Dooley then left public service to operate a public relations and advertising agency before becoming a lawyer in 1995. She was in private practice until 2000, when she accepted appointment as general counsel and vice president at Children’s Hospital Central California near Fresno. Dooley established an in-house legal services program at the hospital and directed the facility’s advocacy, communications and governmental programs.

Prior to being appointed Health and Human Services Agency secretary, Dooley was president and chief executive officer of the California Children’s Hospital Association.

She is married to Dan Dooley and has two children.

Secretary Diana S. Dooley (pdf)

Diana S. Dooley (Strategic Growth Council)