After more than thirty years of public service, including key state roles such as Director of CalHR and CalPERS board member, Richard Gillihan announced he is retiring.  

Gillihan’s career is marked by several key accomplishments. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Office of the State Chief Information Officer (OCIO), now the California Department of Technology, and drafted the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the OCIO and Finance, defining responsibilities for IT project reviews, investments, and policy development.  He also participated in IT Managers Academy Class 9, now known as the IT Leadership Academy.

As CalHR Director, where he led the department for five years, he spearheaded the consolidation of IT classifications and led an enterprise-wide approach to HR IT systems while negotiating multi-billion-dollar labor agreements that left every state union under contract at the time of his departure.

Gillihan was a key member of Governor Brown’s team, which successfully reformed California’s pension system through the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

He also served as Project Sponsor and Steering Committee Chair for the FI$Cal project, overseeing its challenging transition to an operational department.

More recently, as COO of the Department of Finance, he successfully guided the department through a significant IT security breach and initiated a critical reorganization to manage increasing workloads and employee turnover.

Gillihan was willing to answer a few questions for the GovReport as he prepares to depart from his role in government: 

What advice do you have for others following a similar career path?

“At every step in your career take the time to learn not only the job itself, but the programs and department your job supports, how the department’s mission fits into the broader role of state government, and most importantly the people you serve. As you move into leadership roles remember it’s not about you. It’s about who you serve and those you serve with. Challenge the status quo and leave each job better than you found it. Finally, be nice. It matters.

What’s next for you? 

“Hopefully a little more relaxing, travel, outdoors, etc. But I’m not ready to stop working. I’m establishing an IT consulting practice in town to help improve outcomes between the state and our vendor partners.

Final thoughts?

“Technology continues to be indispensable in the operations of government. Yet, the disconnect between the pace of industry and the pace of government, misaligned interests, a mixed record of success (on both sides), and a skeptical workforce are persistent challenges. The state, our industry partners, and most importantly the people we serve will all benefit when we seek to address these challenges in a collaborative, proactive manner.”