Mayor Bass Appoints New Chief Heat Officer Amid Climate Challenges

Mayor Karen Bass recently addressed the public at a press conference held at the Pecan Recreation Center, discussing the imminent heat wave affecting Los Angeles. The city has quietly appointed a new chief heat officer, Daniela Simunovic, over a month ago to tackle these challenges.

Simunovic assumed the position on May 31, following the discreet dismissal of Marta Segura, who was the first to hold the post. Simunovic has been Bass’s senior director of climate and sustainability for the past three years.

The role of chief heat officer involves managing the city’s strategy against extreme heat. This environmental threat remains one of California’s most severe risks. Simunovic also leads the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office, a responsibility shared with her predecessor.

Earlier, Mayor Bass proposed eliminating this office due to a $1 billion budget deficit. However, the City Council opposed the plan, and the final decision was to relocate the office from Public Works to the Emergency Management Department. This office was established in early 2021 to support efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and shielding Angelenos from worsening climate emergencies.

The chief heat officer’s title was added to the office’s director the subsequent year, ranking Los Angeles third in the US with such a position, following Phoenix and Miami. On particularly hot days, heat-related illnesses account for up to 1% of emergency department visits in L.A. County. In 2025, the county recorded 10 heat-related fatalities, as reported on a recent dashboard.

Segura’s compensation in 2025 was approximately $222,000, while Simunovic received about $161,000 last year as a senior director. Her career also includes a role as a senior advisor at the California Air Resources Board, which tackles air pollution.

A media outlet, Climate Colored Goggles, initially disclosed Simunovic’s appointment. Mayor Bass’s office subsequently confirmed it in a statement to The Times.

According to the statement, Many stakeholders and City partners have been working closely with her and are excited to have her lead the office, including during the current Extreme Heat Warning in effect for the City of L.A.

The office is collaborating with community partners on formulating the City’s Heat Action and Resilience Plan, expected by early 2027.

Despite plans to cut the office in the previous year, Bass has advanced several climate objectives for Los Angeles. Among these goals is attaining 100% renewable energy by 2035. Her Climate Action Plan, unveiled in April, focuses on doubling local solar power by 2030, reducing fossil fuel reliance in buildings and transportation, planting trees for shade and developing cooling centers for relief during hot days. The Plan also outlines the development of the Heat Action and Resilience Plan.