Executive Staff

Chief Deputy Director
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Janet Barentson was appointed Chief Deputy Director on February 17, 2012 by Governor Brown. Previously Barentson had served as CAL FIRE's Deputy Director of Management Services since 2009 and prior to that, three years as Chief of Budgets.

With more than 25 years in state service, Barentson brings a variety of administrative and fiscal experience. Barentson understands the expectations of control agencies, along with the emergency response needs of a public safety department. Her goal is to aid the Department in meeting its core mission for all its programs while working within the confines of state policies and procedures.

Prior to coming to CAL FIRE in 2005, Barentson worked a combined 15 years with the California Highway Patrol (CHP); one year as the Commander of the Fiscal Management Office, and 14 years in their Budgets Office (eight as a Staff Services Manager I/II and six years as an Analyst.)

Barentson began her state service in 1985 as an Auditor with the Office of the Auditor General. Along with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; she holds an Accounting Degree and is a Certified Public Accountant.