Department of Finance Directors

John Hassler was appointed Director of Finance by Governor Earl Warren on January 4, 1943. He was born and raised in Oakland, California. Hassler was the City Manager of Oakland for nine years before being appointed. Warren was praised for his appointment of Hassler for ignoring political motivations having appointed Hassler on his track record as a widely-respected city manager alone. Hassler was responsible for reorganizing civilian defense activities into the California War Council; however, he also maintained core council activities to preserve the autonomy of local government.