John Chiang

Controller John Chiang was elected in November 2006 to serve as California’s Chief Fiscal Officer. The Controller is the chair of the Franchise Tax Board and, during even-numbered years, the State Lands Commission. He serves on 78 boards and commissions including CalPERS and CalSTRS, two of the nation’s largest public pension funds. Controller Chiang has long championed financial literacy, and he is using his position to empower working families. Through seminars and free tax preparation assistance, Chiang educates low- and middle-income Californians about taking advantage of tax credits and refunds they have earned. As Controller, Chiang has moved swiftly to ensure California is on the road to prosperity while meeting its obligations to workers and retirees. Upon assuming office, Chiang immediately hired an independent actuary to determine – ahead of schedule – the costs of post-employment benefits as the first step in crafting California’s long-term plan to meet the State’s accounting and healthcare commitments. Controller Chiang also understands the frustrations that local governments and school districts face when complying with mandated programs. As a result, he is creating an unprecedented assistance program to provide local officials with the tools, information and guidance they need to protect their funds while complying with State laws and restrictions. Chiang is committed to safeguarding California’s vast and precious natural resources. Chiang has joined with institutional investors managing $4 trillion in assets to call on federal lawmakers to enact a national standard to address global warming. As a member of the State Lands Commission, he is committed to preserving the state’s 1,200 miles of coastline that stretch from Oregon to Mexico, and ensuring the public has access to safe, pristine parks and recreation areas. The Controller brings extensive experience and fiscal leadership to the State Controller’s Office. Chiang was first elected to the Board of Equalization in 1998 where he served two terms, including three years as chair. He began his career as a tax law specialist with the Internal Revenue Service and previously served as an attorney in the State Controller’s Office. Chiang is the son of immigrant parents, and graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in Finance. He received his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. Chiang and his wife, Terry Chi, live in Torrance, California. John Chiang California State Controller CalPERS Board of Administration John Chiang became an ex officio member of the CalPERS Board of Administration upon his election as California State Controller in January 2007. He serves on the Investment Committee, Health Benefits Committee, Benefits and Program Administration Committee, and Finance Committee. Born in New York City during the 1960s, the oldest of four children, and a son of an immigrant from Taiwan, Mr. Chiang was first elected to the State Board of Equalization in 1998 and served as the Chairman until 2006, making him the highest ranking Asian Pacific American-elected state official in California. Mr. Chiang represented the Board of Equalization’s 4th District. He received the 2006 Award for Excellence by a Government Official from the Los Angeles County Bar Association; two Congressional Record tributes; the Leadership Vanguard Award from the Millennium Momentum Foundation; the Minorities in Business Magazine Multi-Cultural Prism Award; the City of West Hollywood Leadership and Service Award; and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Award. Mr. Chiang graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in Finance, and received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Mr. Chiang began his career as a tax law specialist for the IRS in 1987. For more than a decade, he was an attorney for the State Controller and staff member to a Senator. He also worked as a staff member for candidates who ran for the office of Congress, State Controller and Governor. Mr. Chiang and his wife, Terry, reside in Torrance, CA