A recognized political and policy strategist and advocate in California for more than two decades, Richard Costigan brings unique insight and practical experience from the public and private sectors.
Richard has worked extensively in the executive and legislative branches of California state government. He served as legislative affairs secretary and deputy chief of staff to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, chief of staff to two minority leaders in the California State Assembly, caucus policy director, and budget and appropriations consultant.
Throughout Richard’s career, he has led complex organizations and worked in highly visible environments. Having been involved in some of the most important policy and regulatory issues of the last 20 years, he advises CEOs and senior executives on the intricacies of California’s laws. He also counsels political leaders and candidates.
Richard advises Fortune 100 clients across all sectors on issues such as politics, policy, regulatory matters, technology and procurement, healthcare, climate change, clean tech and renewable energy, infrastructure and development, bonds, and financing issues.
For nearly a decade, Richard has served on the State Personnel Board, overseeing the state’s merit system. He has decided thousands of personnel cases involving complex legal issues. He has also worked on the reform of state government, California civil state and merit system processes, the creation of job classifications, employee personnel actions, and whistle-blower actions.
Since 2011, Richard has served on the board of CalPERS, the largest public pension fund in North America. As chair of the finance and administration committee, he oversees the $1.7 billion operating budget; 2,800 positions; setting of the fund’s discount rate; risk management; liquidity and treasury management; and other financial issues.
As chair of the finance and administration committee and member of CalPERS’ Investment Committee, Richard works on best practices and strategies, asset allocation, pension obligations, board management, shareholder responsibilities, healthcare funding and benefits.
Prior to his career in California, Richard practiced law in Georgia.