Sue Parker was sworn in as Chief Clerk of the California State Assembly on January 9, 2020. Mrs. Parker is the 40th individual to serve as Chief Clerk since 1849 and the first woman to hold the position. Before becoming Chief Clerk, Mrs. Parker had been the Assistant Chief Clerk. In that role, she oversaw the operations of the Assembly Desk, advocating for the increased use of information technology to streamline the processing of bills and updated the official Chief Clerk website to allow greater access to the legislative process. She began her career as a Senate Fellow and has held many roles within the office of the Chief Clerk, including being the first female Reading Clerk.
The Chief Clerk of the California State Assembly is one of three nonmember, nonpartisan officers elected by the Members of the Assembly at the beginning of each two-year session. The Chief Clerk serves as the Parliamentarian of the House. Under the direction of the Chief Clerk, the Chief Clerk’s Office is responsible for publishing the official documents of the House; and keeping all the bills, papers, and records of the proceedings of the Assembly.