Ken DaRosa

Ken DaRosa began his public service career as student assistant and, later, Office Assistant (OA) with the Department of Toxic Substances Control. But later took time away from state service to teach English in South Korea. Upon return, Ken joined the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs as an OA and over the course of nine years promoted through various areas in that department including licensing, budgets, and finally serving as the department’s policy manager before taking an opportunity with the Department of Finance. At Finance Ken worked on Resources Agency programs such as Parks, the Energy Commission, and CalFire among others. In 2012 Ken was appointed Chief Deputy Director at CalRecycle working on recycling and solid waste management policies. Additionally, Ken oversaw the department’s disaster debris removal program wherein CalRecycle, under mission task from Cal OES, led clean-up efforts following catastrophic wildfires. In 2021, Ken was hired as Chief Deputy Director at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities with responsibilities over administration and operations of programs supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion in all aspects of community life.