Secretary of State Bruce McPherson Makes Key Appointments - Communications and Legislative Directors

Secretary of State Bruce McPherson today announced the key appointments of Ashley Snee Giovannettone as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, Communications Director and Theresa Carroll as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative and Constituent Affairs.

I am proud to have Ashley and Theresa join my team of dedicated and experienced public servants,” said Secretary Bruce McPherson. “They are both highly respected in their fields and their valuable experience will be of great service to the people of California.”

Ashley Snee Giovannettone will lead the Secretary of State’s communications team. Prior to joining the Secretary McPherson, Giovannettone served as Deputy Press Secretary for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Earlier, Giovannettone served as spokesperson and Assistant White House Press Secretary. She was also Assistant Press Secretary in the Office of Homeland Security and Special Assistant to Vice President Cheney in his West Wing Office. She has been an associate with the Sacramento-based public relations firm Nelson Communications Group (now Porter Novelli).

Giovannettone earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Sonoma State University and will reside in Davis, California with her husband. She is a registered Republican.

Theresa Carroll will oversee and manage the legislative and constituent affairs unit for Secretary McPherson. Carroll served as General Counsel and Legislative Director to former Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson. She provided legal and legislative policy advice to the Speaker.

Prior to working for the Speaker, Carroll served in the office of former Senate President pro Tem Bill Lockyer where she was Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee. A former prosecutor, defense and civil attorney for the United States Air Force, Carroll also worked for the State Bar of California as their legislative counsel and lobbyist.

Carroll earned her juris doctorate at McGeorge School of Law and was raised in Philadelphia, PA. An active member of the NAACP, Carroll resides in Sacramento with her husband. She is a registered Democrat.