SACRAMENTO– The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today appointed Catherine Witherspoon as its new Executive Officer.

"After working with Catherine during my tenure as Chairman I have been constantly impressed with her boundless energy, tremendous talent and her passion for clean air. It's gratifying to be Chairman at the time the ARB has selected its first woman executive officer," said ARB Chairman, Alan Lloyd.

Witherspoon began her career in air quality as a student assistant with the ARB in 1981 and has held a variety of air quality positions since, including Legislative Director for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, ARB Assistant Executive Officer and most recently ARB Senior Policy Advisor.

As Executive Officer, Witherspoon is responsible for the agency's day-to-day operation, including directing the staff to carry out Board policy, assisting its members and overseeing preparation of technical material for Board consideration. The Executive Officer also reviews legislative proposals and represents the ARB before other governmental agencies, public and private organizations and the Legislature. She oversees approximately 1100 employees and serves at the Board's pleasure.

The California Air Resources Board is widely recognized as the nation's leading state air pollution control agency. The Board has set some of the nation's most advanced ambient air quality standards and developed some of the most innovative emission reduction strategies for cars, trucks and buses. The ARB also sets emission standards that are often adopted by other states and nations for fuels, consumer products and toxic air contaminants.

Witherspoon replaces Michael P. Kenny, who was recently appointed by Governor Gray Davis as a Sacramento County Superior Court judge.