Governor Newsom has announced the appointment of Pete Cervinka as the permanent director of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Pete Cervinka has been Acting Director of DDS since Director Nancy Bargmann’s retirement in early September. Mr. Cervinka is widely respected by advocates for people with developmental disabilities and families, providers, regional centers, and other state agency and legislative policymakers for his work with the department and for his previous work in the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). He has more than 25 years of leadership, program management, and policy development experience in various roles across state agencies.
Pete joined the Department of Developmental Services in 2020 when he was appointed as Chief of Data Analytics and Strategy by Governor Newsom. He has held several other executive branch positions, including Chief Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer for the California Department of Social Services, and Assistant Secretary with the California Health and Human Services Agency. He also has worked at the California Department of Finance and Cal-EPA. Pete holds two degrees from the University of California at Davis.
Pete is a strong advocate for using comprehensive data to improve outcomes for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout his career, he has guided government programs to consider how family and culture affects each person served. He also seeks to advance care in the community for individuals throughout their lifespans, considering social, health, and environmental factors.
Congratulations, Mr. Cervinka.