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Secretary Bowen Appoints Patricia Wynne to FPPC

SACRAMENTO - Secretary of State Debra Bowen today appointed Patricia Wynne to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), which interprets and enforces the California Political Reform Act. A 30-year veteran of state government service, Wynne will retire on March 29 and assume the FPPC office on April 8 for a term ending in January 2017. Wynne will replace Bowen’s prior appointee, Elizabeth Garrett, who served a full term from 2009 to 2013. Garrett will continue serving until Wynne is sworn in.

"It's hard to overstate the importance of having an aggressive, proactive, independent political watchdog, which is why I am so pleased Tricia has accepted this appointment to the FPPC," said Secretary Bowen, California’s chief elections official. "Tricia has a keen understanding of the fair and practical application of complex laws and regulations, and her devotion to integrity, transparency and independence will serve all Californians well."

Wynne is currently Deputy State Treasurer at the California State Treasurer's Office where she oversees several state financing authorities including the California Health Financing Authority, California Educational Financing Authority, and California School Financing Authority, and chairs the Local Agency Investment Board and the Scholarshare Investment Board. Previously Wynne served eight years as Special Assistant Attorney General in the California Attorney General's Office, working with California courts, regulatory bodies and public agencies in a variety of policy areas including consumer law and election law. She also worked for many years in senior staff positions in the California State Senate. Wynne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, then earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law.

"Elizabeth Garrett brought a very principled and experienced voice to the commission, and I can't thank her enough for her service," added Bowen.

The FPPC was created by the Political Reform Act of 1974 and is an independent, nonpartisan body of five members. Two FPPC commissioners are appointed by the governor, one of whom is a full-time chairperson. The secretary of state, attorney general and state controller each appoint one commissioner. There is no confirmation process for commissioners. Each commissioner receives a $100 per diem payment for the time spent on FPPC matters, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses.

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