California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

Press Release

April 23, 2004

VICTIM COMPENSATION AND GOVERNMENT CLAIMS BOARD APPOINTS KAREN McGAGIN EXECUTIVE OFFICER


The Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (Board) has appointed Karen McGagin as Executive Officer. The Executive Officer serves at the pleasure of the three-member Board, composed of: Fred Aguiar, Secretary of State and Consumer Services Agency and Board Chairperson; Steve Westly, State Controller; and Michael A. Ramos, San Bernardino County District Attorney.

"Karen is a wonderful addition to the Board," said Fred Aguiar. "I am very confident in her abilities as a leader and look forward to working with her. Karen not only brings to the Board a broad base of experience in California government, she also knows the issues facing victims of violent crimes."

Ms. McGagin previously served on the three-member Board on behalf of the director of the Department of General Services (DGS) from September 1997 to December 2000. McGagin has served as the deputy executive director of the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) since December 2001. The OPSC funds construction in qualifying school districts. Prior to her tenure at the OPSC, she served as deputy director of the Interagency Support Division at DGS from 1997 to 2001. In addition, she represented the director of DGS on the State Allocation Board and the Public Works Board.

McGagin also served as chief deputy registrar of the Contractors State License Board in the Department of Consumer Affairs. She was liaison and principal contact for the Department of Consumer Affairs and the regulatory boards. A Sacramento resident, McGagin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the California State University, Sacramento.

"I am honored to serve as the Executive Officer of the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board,'' McGagin said. ''I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to further the Board's vision and improve victim services for all Californians. I will continue on the Board's mission to help victims and other survivors to ensure they receive the highest quality of services."

The Board has two missions: to provide timely compensation and compassionate services to crime victims in collaboration with the community that supports them. Second, to protect the state, its residents, and visitors by resolving claims against the state in a timely and equitable manner. The Board's Victim Compensation Program reimburses eligible crime victims for certain losses they incur as a result of a crime. Typical losses include medical/dental expenses, mental health counseling costs, wage loss, support loss for dependants, and funeral/burial expenses. For more information about the Board's programs and benefits, call 1-800-777-9229 or visit its website at victimcompensation.ca.gov.