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DCA names Christine Lai acting director; agency split and member trainings outlined
Summary
Lucia Salivar of the Department of Consumer Affairs told the Dental Hygiene Board that Chief Deputy Director Christine Lai has been named acting director following Kimberly Kirkmeer's retirement; she outlined a governor-approved reorganization splitting oversight agencies effective July 1, 2026, and reviewed member trainings and travel guidance.
Lucia Salivar ("Lucy"), deputy director for board and bureau relations at the Department of Consumer Affairs, briefed the board on departmental leadership and administrative changes.
Salivar announced that Chief Deputy Director Christine Lai has been named acting director of DCA after the retirement of Kimberly Kirkmeer and that the governor’s reorganization plan — which will split Business, Consumer Services, and Housing into two new agencies — was approved July 5 of last year and will take effect July 1, 2026.
She said the new Business and Consumer Services Agency will house licensing and enforcement functions, while the Department of Consumer Affairs will remain among the other state departments. Salivar also reviewed member training offerings, including a newly added unconscious‑bias course for board members in DCA’s learning management system and several dates for the Board Member Orientation Training (BMOT).
Salivar closed with practical guidance on travel planning and reimbursements, urging members to book travel early, consider car‑pooling and keep receipts for reimbursement.
Board members asked whether directors for the two new agencies had been named; Salivar said no and pledged to keep boards apprised of appointments and transition logistics.
