Desk Staff

Chief Assistant Secretary of the Senate - Bernadette McNulty

Chief Assistant Secretary of the Senate - Bernadette McNulty

Bernadette is a native of New York. She began her legislative career in 1997 as an intern with the Assembly Chief Clerk. Bernadette graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science Public Service. She joined the Office of the Secretary of the Senate in 1998. After serving for 28 years, she retired from the United States Air Force Reserves in April 2008. Bernadette was appointed as the Chief Assistant Secretary of the Senate in December 2009.

Image of Heshani Wijemanne

Assistant Secretary of the Senate - Heshani Wijemanne

Heshani, raised in Southern California, received her B.A. from Smith College with a major in Government and a minor in International Relations. After college, she accepted a position with the NYC Mayor’s office. Heshani then received her J.D. from Hofstra School of Law. After law school, Heshani spent time working in a legislative and legal capacity in the private sector. She is admitted to practice law in New York and California.  Heshani joined the Secretary of the Senate’s office in 2016 as Chief Assistant Engrossing and Enrolling Clerk.  In 2017, she became the Engrossing and Enrolling Clerk.  Heshani was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the Senate in 2021.

Assistant to the Secretary of the Senate - Susan DeLaFuente

Assistant to the Secretary of the Senate - Susan DeLaFuente

Susan DeLaFuente, Assistant to the Secretary of the Senate. Born and raised in Vallejo, California. B.A. degree in Political Science, Certificate of Paralegal, California State University, Chico. Employed with the California Legislature since 1986.

Assistant to the Secretary of the Senate - Elaine Morgan

Assistant to the Secretary of the Senate - Elaine Morgan

Elaine Morgan was raised in Northern California. She has been employed with the California State Legislature since 2001. She began her legislative career with Senator Martha Escutia and has worked as an Executive Assistant for Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico, Senator Ricardo Lara, Assemblyman Jim Frazier, Senator Lena Gonzalez, and served as an Appointments Specialist in the Senate Rules Appointments Unit. Elaine joined the Secretary of the Senate’s office as an Assistant to the Secretary in December of 2022.

Image of Assistant Amending Clerk - Mathew Burns

Journal Clerk - Mathew Burns

Matt was born and raised in Grass Valley, California. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Matt's legislative career began in 2009 when he was selected for the Assembly Chief Clerk's Internship Program. Mathew joined the Secretary of the Senate's office in 2010.

Image of Reading Clerk - Zach Twilla

History Clerk - Zach Twilla

A native Californian, Zach is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento where he majored in Government. After interning for the California State Assembly in 2002, Zach began as the Assistant Amending Clerk for the Secretary of the Senate's Office in December of 2004. Between February of 2009 and September 2019, Zach operated as the Senate Reading Clerk.

Daily File Clerk - Holly Hummelt

Daily File Clerk - Holly Hummelt

Holly is native to Sacramento. She gained legislative experience by working with the Legislative Counsel Bureau for 14 years before accepting employment with the Secretary of the Senate's office in April 2004.

Image of Assistant Daily File Clerk - Claudia Fuentes

Assistant Daily File Clerk - Claudia Fuentes

Claudia was born and raised in Sacramento, California. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business with a double concentration in International Business and Management from Holy Names University. She gained legislative experience by interning for the Office of the Secretary of the Senate through a unique work-study program offered by Cristo Rey High School. Claudia joined the Secretary of the Senate's office in 2017.

Image of Francisca Zabala

Legislative Clerk - Francisca Zabala

Franny was raised in Sacramento, California. She graduated summa cum laude from Holy Names University where she earned a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in Business. Franny acquired legislative experience by interning with the Office of the Secretary of the Senate through the work-study program at Cristo Rey High School. She joined the Secretary of the Senate’s family in 2017.

Image of Omari Gray

Assistant Amending Clerk - Omari Gray

A native Californian, Omari attended Butler University as a Student Athlete studying Business Finance and later became a graduate of California State University, Sacramento where he majored in International Relations and minored in Business. Omari’s legislative career began in 2016 with Congressman Dr. Ami Bera; in 2019, he interned as a Press Aide for Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and in 2020 served as a legislative aide with Senator Bill Monning. In 2021, Omari joined the Secretary of the Senate’s office as a Legislative Clerk.

Image of Omari Gray

Office Assistant - Frank Silva

Frank Silva was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He earned an Associates of Arts degree in Business and Technology. Frank gained legislative experience by interning with the Office of the Secretary of the Senate in 2022. Currently, Frank serves as an Office Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.

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