September 16, 2005 - Sacramento, CA -  Governor Schwarzenegger has reappointed the current Acupuncture Board Executive Officer Marilyn Neilsen as the new deputy director of the Arts Council.

Yesterday's press release from California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger named current Executive Officer (EO) of the California Acupuncture Board (CAB), Marilyn Neilsen, as the new deputy director of the California Arts Council. In a letter of resignation to the CAB, Neilsen noted that she would be resigning from her position at the CAB, effective November 4.

Nielsen has served as the executive director of the Acupuncture Board since 1995 and previously was assistant deputy director for board relations at the Department of Consumer Affairs. Neilsen has indicated that she will continue with the CAB part-time through October to assist in the transition.

The current CAB is slated for termination on January 1, 2006 by Senate Bill 248, unless that bill is vetoed by the Governor, in which case the CAB is slated to cease functioning on July 1, 206. In either case, all staff will lose their employment with the CAB. Assuming that SB 248 becomes law, current board members and staff will be eligible for reappointment and rehiring.

Neilsen's nine year tenure at the CAB included many achievements and advancements in consumer protection:

	•	issuing 5,500 licenses in less than nine years, more than doubling both the number and rate of licenses issued,

	•	elevating the previous Acupuncture Committee to an independent Board through the Legislative sunset review process in 1998,

	•	improving and revising the California Acupuncture Licensure Exam, twice, based upon the results of occupational surveys,

	•	expanding enforcement authority and actions by the CAB against licensees,

	•	upgrading educational standards by 22%, as directed by new laws,

	•	improving the coordination and support activities for new board members.

Neilsen's absence from the CAB will be duly missed; but her enthusiasm, motivation, and integrity will surely be appreciated by those at the Arts Council.

The California Arts Council was established in January 1976 to encourage artistic awareness, participation, and expression; to help independent local groups develop their own arts programs; to promote the employment of artists and those skilled in crafts in both the public and private sector; to provide for the exhibition of art works in public buildings throughout California. The 11-member Council includes Annette Bening, a noted stage and screen actress.