Caroline Thomas Jacobs was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom on March 3, 2026, as Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). She brings more than 20 years of experience in emergency management, public safety, and technology. Director Thomas Jacobs previously served at Cal OES from 2014 to 2019, including as Chief of Headquarters Response, where she led the State Operations Center during major disasters and helped develop the state’s initial Public Safety Power Shutoff protocols. Thomas Jacobs later served as Director of the Wildfire Safety Division at the California Public Utilities Commission, where she established oversight of utility wildfire safety programs, and as the inaugural Director of the California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety. Thomas Jacobs’ background also includes roles with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay Area Urban Area Security Initiative, and Apple Inc. Thomas Jacobs is recognized for advancing statewide coordination, strengthening disaster response, and building a more resilient California.