Karen Constine, the former chief of staff to Laura Chick and director of the California Film Commission under Gov. Gray Davis, gets the mayor's nod. Details in the following press release and bio.

ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES

July 21, 2006

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ANNOUNCES INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER FOR THE LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS

LOS ANGELES-- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced his appointment of Karen Constine as interim General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) beginning Monday, June 24, 2006.

"Karen Constine is a creative manager with exceptional leadership skills," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "She brings a lively and creative understanding of municipal government, as well as a deep knowledge of the arts, entertainment and the artists who make Los Angeles the creative capital of the world," Mayor Villaraigosa added.

Ms. Constine currently works as a public affairs and management consultant. She has worked with Film L.A., The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation and Warner Bros.

"Karen Constine's work in the public sector and the film community makes her a standout leader for our city's Cultural Affairs Department," said Council President Eric Garcetti. "We're proud to have her on board."

"We welcome Ms. Constine in her new capacity and know she'll bring energy, enthusiasm and a wealth of experience as interim General Manager of our Department of Cultural Affairs," said Councilmember Tom LaBonge, chairman of the Arts, Parks, Health & Aging Committee.

"Karen Constine's vast experience and intimate knowledge of our City family will serve the Department of Cultural Affairs well during this transitional period," said Councilmember Jan Perry. "She comes to us with both the public and private sector knowledge needed to continue the important work of DCA which supports the diverse and impressive arts culture here in Los Angeles. I look forward to working with Karen in her new capacity as interim General Manager," Councilmember Perry added.

Ms. Constine has over 20 years of experience in high-level public affairs management work in both the public and private sectors.

Before beginning her practice as a public affairs and management consultant, Ms. Constine served under Governor Gray Davis as Director of the California Film Commission (CFC), responsible for attracting and retaining film production and jobs for the State of California. Prior to serving as Director of the CFC, she also served as Chief of Staff for then City Councilmember Laura Chick, and as Public Affairs Manager for Pacific Enterprises (now Sempra Energy).

Ms. Constine replaces Margie Reese whose resignation becomes effective July 21, 2006.