California has its first director for the Office of Digital Innovation, the Governor’s Office announced on Wednesday:

Udaya Patnaik, 46, of San Mateo, has been appointed director of the Office of Digital Innovation at the Government Operations Agency. Patnaik has been co-founder, senior partner and chief financial officer at Jump Associates since 1998. He was rural development specialist at the Rural Community Assistance Corporation from 1995 to 1998. Patnaik is an editorial advisory board member of TEDMED, an international advisory board member of Fundación Chile, and a member of the boards of KABOOM! and Just Human Productions. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $197,700. Patnaik is a Democrat.

Newsom created the Office of Digital Innovation last year as part of his first budget proposal upon taking office.  According to the Government Operations Agency website, the office is described as “a start-up inside state government focused on improving services for the people of California. We’ll do this through a human-centered approach to design and technology, and by attracting a team of diverse, passionate individuals who will inspire a modern culture of service delivery.”