By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. March 18, 2026)
EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — Gavin Newsom has appointed Cynthia “Cindy” Mendonza, a resident of El Dorado Hills, as Chief Deputy Executive Director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, according to an official announcement released March 17, 2026.
The position places Mendonza in a senior leadership role at IBank, a state entity responsible for financing infrastructure and economic development projects across California. Her annual compensation is set at $187,380. The appointment does not require confirmation by the state Senate.
Mendonza brings more than a decade of experience in California state government, with a professional background spanning fiscal services, legislative affairs and budget analysis.
Most recently, she served with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as Deputy Director of Fiscal Services from 2024 to 2026 and briefly as Chief of Legislative Affairs in 2024. Her earlier tenure at CDCR included multiple roles between 2012 and 2016.
From 2016 to 2024, Mendonza worked at the California Department of Finance, advancing from Finance Budget Analyst to Principal, where she contributed to statewide fiscal planning and budget development.
Her career also includes leadership roles at California Prison Industry Authority, where she served as Chief of Marketing and Regulatory Compliance from 2020 to 2021 and Chief of Budget and Financial Planning from 2018 to 2020.
In addition to her public service, Mendonza has worked in the private sector as a behavior consultant since 2009, reflecting a multidisciplinary professional background.
According to the governor’s office, “Mendonza’s extensive experience in fiscal management and legislative strategy positions her well to help guide IBank’s mission of supporting infrastructure and economic growth across California.”
She holds a Master of Business Administration from California State University, San Jose, a Master of Science in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California.
Mendonza is registered with no party preference.
Her appointment highlights the continued presence of El Dorado County residents in influential statewide roles, particularly in areas tied to infrastructure investment and economic development.
