Michael Wells, 54, of Sacramento, has been appointed undersecretary at the California Department of Veterans Affairs, according to Gov. Jerry Brown’s office.

Wells has served in multiple positions at the California Military Department since 1991, including deputy commander of the Youth and Community Programs Task Force, director of manpower and personnel, chief of logistics, legislative liaison to the director of governmental and international affairs, plans officer and chief of environmental programs.

He also has served as commander of the 223rd Infantry Regiment and Camp, San Luis Obispo since 2011.

Wells was chief of intelligence at the joint force headquarters of the California Military Department from 2009 to 2011 and chief of intelligence operations at NATO headquarters in Sarajevo from 2008 to 2009.

He served as assistant chief of intelligence for the 40th Infantry Division at the Joint Training Base in Los Alamitos from 2006 to 2008 and commander of the 250th Military Intelligence Battalion at Camp Victory from 2004 to 2006.

Wells served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1983 to 1991. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a Master of Science degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $158,484. Wells is a Democrat.