The Los Angeles City Council Friday confirmed the appointment of Olivia McGovern as the newest member of the Cannabis Regulation Commission.
In a 10-0 vote, council members approved Mayor Karen Bass' nominee, who is expected to serve a term through June 30, 2029. McGovern will be filling a vacancy left by commissioner Mario Melendez, whose term ended in June.
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McGovern is well acquainted with procedures at City Hall. She previously served as a legislative deputy for City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez from 2017 to 2021.
She later served as a public relations specialist for the Department of Cannabis regulation from October 2021 to August 2022. McGovern went on to work under the City Attorney's Office Public Pensions General Counsel Division.
McGovern recently worked as a law clerk for Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, in Irvine, and then as a judicial extern to Judge Gail Killefer for the Los Angeles Superior Court.
"I believe (she) exudes the kind of character and integrity that is required to serve in this role," Councilwoman Rodriguez said during Friday's council meeting.
"I wanted to take a moment to thank her for taking on this role because at a time when we know a lot of individuals in this industry are struggling, I can't think of a better individual prepared to help engage in difficult conversations and help lead our city in a more productive conversation as it related to cannabis operations in Los Angeles," Rodriguez added.
Council members Adrin Nazarian, Imelda Padilla, Nithya Raman, Hugo Soto-Martinez and Marqueece Harris-Dawson were absent during the vote.
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