SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Howard Gould, who was appointedCommissioner of Financial Institutions of California by Gov. ArnoldSchwarzenegger effective March 1, 2004, has resigned from theposition effective Sept. 30, 2005. In his letter to the governor,Gould wrote that, "During the past year and one-half it has been myprivilege to serve you and your Administration as California'sCommissioner of Financial Institutions. As you know, I joined theSchwarzenegger Administration with my mind focused on a set ofexplicit objectives to be achieved at the Department of FinancialInstitutions, and a clear philosophical alignment with yourAdministration in the goals of dramatically improving governmentaleffectiveness and customer service. As we look at the Departmenttoday, I am very satisfied that the preponderance of my objectivesis well addressed, and I feel that my mission has been served." Hefurther stated that, "As I discussed with you at the outset of myservice, my motivation to become Commissioner, and my dedication tothe position, was solely to make a strong positive contribution toCalifornia's financial services sector and its regulatorysupervision. Having delivered on that mission, it is with pride inachievement on one hand, and regret on the other, that I inform youof my intention to relinquish my appointment as Commissioner."Prior to working in the position under Gov. Schwarzenegger, Gouldheld the similar position of superintendent of Banks during theAdministration of Gov. George Deukmejian. Most of his career,though, has been spent in executive management of banks such asUnited California Bank and Sanwa Bank.