Labor advocate Jay Hansen heads to California Medical Association

Top labor advocate Jay Hansen has been named the new second-in-command at the California Medical Association, responsible for directing strategy at the statewide group that represents some 35,000 physicians.

Hansen currently serves as legislative director at the State Building and Construction Trades Council, or BCTC, an umbrella organization for 160 unions that collectively represent about 350,000 skilled construction workers.

Hansen’s hiring was announced this week by the CMA. He starts in the newly created position of chief strategy officer on July 5. As CSO, Hansen will be the organization’s No. 2 executive officer, reporting directly to CEO Dustin Corcoran, and will oversee all internal efforts to develop and implement a long-term strategic plan, the medical association said..

“Jay brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience and skill to this job,” Corcoran said in a statement released by his office. “He is highly respected in and around the Capitol and well known for his political smarts, bipartisanship and thoughtfulness.”

Hansen will be replaced at the labor group by Cesar Diaz, who currently serves as deputy legislative director.  BCTC President Bob  Balgenorth announced the hiring of Jeremy Smith of the California Labor Federation to fill Diaz’s slot.