The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has a new leader at the helm.

Current DRE Commissioner, Doug McCauley, announced his retirement from the DRE earlier in November 2023. Now, Governor Newsom has announced the appointment of the next Commissioner.

Chika Sunquist will take over the position at the start of 2024. Sunquist has served in the Department since 2006. During that time, she has served as:

  • Deputy Commissioner;
  • Senior Deputy Commissioner;
  • Special Investigator;
  • Supervising Special Investigator; and
  • Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement, her current position.

Grown from within the Department and lacking the bias of past commissioners who were (very) political appointments, Sunquist undoubtedly has her finger on the pulse of what the DRE — and by extension, DRE licensees and the consumers they serve — need at this moment.

Related article:

DRE Commissioner to retire