SACRAMENTO -- After more than 34 years of public service for the state of California, Acting Lottery Director Chon Gutierrez announced today that he will finally retire.
“My plan was to retire after the Bill Jones Administration more than two years ago,” said Gutierrez. “The Schwarzenegger Administration knew this but asked me to head up the DMV, CPR and the Lottery. From my perspective, now is the perfect time for me to finally retire.”
Chon Gutierrez has worked for every governor since Ronald Reagan, holding key positions at some of the most prominent state agencies and departments. Some of the posts held by Gutierrez include:
• Acting Director of the California State Lottery (2004 -2005)
• Co-Director of the California Performance Review team
• Interim Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles
• Chief Assistant Secretary of State
• Chief Financial Officer of the Business, Transportation & Housing Agency
• Director of the California State Lottery (1987-1991)
• Undersecretary for the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency
• Deputy Director of the Department of Finance
• Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity; and
• Deputy Director of the California Youth Authority
In a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger announcing his retirement, Gutierrez highlighted some of the more notable accomplishments achieved during the past two years serving in his Administration.
“As Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles we implemented the Vehicle License Fee refund and reduced the public wait time at every field office from one hour to 20 minutes. As Co-Director of the California Performance Review we produced a landmark report that paves the way to eliminate waste and increase efficiency in government. And, as Acting Director of the California State Lottery, we just had our best year ever, shattering 20 years of records including more than $3.3 billion in sales, $1.79 billion in prizes paid out, and an astonishing $1.17 billion given to California’s public education.”
A copy of Gutierrez’ retirement letter to Governor Schwarzenegger is below.
August 25, 2005
Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, California 95814
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
As you know, I have had the privilege of working for the people of California under every Governor since Ronald Reagan. I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with you and continue serving the public during your Administration.
You and I agree that a public service career is both an honorable and rewarding profession. There has been no greater accomplishment than to see the lives of Californians improve as a result of the hard work we have endured to make our government more responsive to the people.
During the 34 years of my public service career, I had the privilege of leading many state departments to accomplish many great things. Some of the most notable accomplishments were achieved during your Administration. As Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles, we implemented the Vehicle License Fee refund and reduced the public wait time at every field office from one hour to 20 minutes. As Co-Director of the California Performance Review, we produced a landmark report that paves the way to eliminate waste and increase efficiency in government. And as Acting Director of the California Lottery, we just had our best year ever, shattering 20 years of records including more than $3.3 billion in sales, $1.79 billion in prizes paid out, and an astonishing $1.17 billion given to California’s public education.
Because of all that we have accomplished, it is with bittersweet emotion to inform you that I plan to retire from state service effective immediately.
I appreciate your bold leadership and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with you on behalf of the people of California.
Sincerely,
Chon Gutierrez
Acting Director