Ray named new CHP deputy commissioner, becomes first African American woman to hold post
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
In a historical appointment, the California Highway Patrol has appointed the first African American woman to hold its second-in-command post.
On Friday, CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley announced his appointment of Assistant Commissioner Amanda L. Ray as deputy commissioner.
The appointment makes Deputy Commissioner Ray the first African American woman in the department’s 91-year history to hold the position of second in command of the nation’s largest state police agency.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who last year reappointed Commissioner Stanley – who also is African American – to his post, applauded Friday’s announcement.
“The CHP is one of the most respected law enforcement agencies in California, if not the nation. As we mark Black History Month and Women’s History Month in March, I couldn’t be prouder of Deputy Commissioner Ray’s accomplishments and contributions to making the CHP the best of the best. Californians have every reason to be confident in the leadership of the CHP,” Newsom said.
Deputy Commissioner Ray stated she was “honored and humbled” to be appointed to her new post.
“I am grateful to continue to serve alongside the amazing women and men who each day are dedicated to providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to make the Department one that our employees and the people of this great state can admire and be proud of.”
A native of Oakland, Deputy Commissioner Ray, 53, is a 30-year member of the department, rising through the ranks and serving in assignments of increasing responsibility from cadet to assistant commissioner, staff, where she oversaw the administrative functions of the department, to include a $2.8 billion budget, departmental training, information technology, and personnel administration of a statewide organization of 11,000 women and men.
In her new role, Deputy Commissioner Ray will oversee the day to day operations, the administrative and field operations of the CHP as well as the Offices of Legal Affairs, Internal Affairs, Equal Employment Opportunity, Risk Management, the Office of Accreditation, and Community Outreach and Media Relations.
Deputy Commissioner Ray succeeds Scott Silsbee, who retired from the CHP in December.
California Highway Patrol Deputy Commissioner Amanda L. Ray career highlights:
CHP / Academy: 03/12/90, cadet
CHP / South Los Angeles Area: 08/09/90, officer
CHP / Santa Fe Springs Area: 12/02/99, sergeant
CHP / Santa Fe Springs Area: 04/01/03, lieutenant
CHP / Riverside Area: 07/01/06, lieutenant
CHP / Hayward Area: 09/01/11, captain
CHP / Riverside Area: 10/31/12, captain
CHP / Golden Gate Division: 09/01/15, assistant chief
CHP / Inland Division: 03/02/17, assistant chief
CHP / Assistant Commissioner, staff: 10/01/17, chief
CHP / Assistant Commissioner, staff: 04/01/18, assistant commissioner, staff