Two more states are on the lookout for new bank commissioners.
In California, Walter J. Mix 3d stepped down as commissioner of financial institutions last week after just six months on the job. Mr. Mix succeeded Conrad Hewitt, an appointee of former Gov. Pete Wilson, last July. His resignation coincides with the inauguration of Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat who took office this month.
"It was a great experience, but when administrations change from party to party, these things occur," said Mr. Mix, who was chief deputy commissioner before succeeding Mr. Hewitt.
Jan Lynn Owen, a deputy in the agency's office of policy, has been named acting commissioner.
Separately, Richard C. Rishel, Pennsylvania's secretary of banking, also stepped down last week after four years on the job.
Mr. Rishel's resignation came only days before Gov. Tom Ridge began his second term in office. He was one of two cabinet members not to remain in office.
A press release from the governor's office announcing the change said Mr. Rishel, 55, had resigned to "pursue new career opportunities." Mr. Rishel could not be reached to comment.
Speculation has a successor coming from the western part of the state, where Pennsylvania's two largest institutions, Mellon Bank Corp. and PNC Bank Corp., are based.
At least nine other states are seeking new bank commissioners.
