Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Vishesh Anand as Senior Advisor at the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, effective September 10, 2023.
SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Vishesh Anand, a resident of Los Angeles, as Senior Advisor at the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency on September 10, 2023. Anand brings a wealth of experience in both state and local government, complemented by a strong background in private-sector operations and community engagement.
Since early 2025, Anand has served as the Deputy Director of Special Projects in the Governor’s Office. In this role, he has been instrumental in overseeing various initiatives. From 2022 to 2025, he held the position of Deputy Regional Director of External Affairs, where he managed outreach and engagement efforts across multiple counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. His work in this capacity supported numerous statewide initiatives aimed at improving community relations and public services.
Prior to his tenure in public service, Anand gained valuable experience working in start-ups, focusing on operations, sales, marketing, and client engagement. He credits these experiences with enhancing his adaptability and fostering a multi-faceted approach to problem-solving. Anand is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned degrees in economics and global studies. He believes that the skills he developed during his academic and professional journey continue to inform his work in government.
Reflecting on his recent appointment, Anand expressed the personal significance of his name. “Vishesh in Hindi means special. So, from the day my parents named me, I have had the responsibility to live up to my name. Coincidentally, my last name, Anand, means happiness. So, I guess I really do have my own brand—Special Happiness. And I hope to spread it far and wide,” he stated.
Anand’s transition into public service in 2020 was motivated by a desire for meaningful work. “I am glad to have moved into this career and found my true passion for public engagement, service delivery, and community development,” he added.
The Senior Advisor position does not require confirmation by the state Senate and carries an annual salary of $140,004. Anand is registered with no party preference.
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