Former chief justice moves from the bench to helm California think tank

PPIC

Former Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye will still be in the public eye as PPIC's president.

After making history as California's first Asian American Chief Justice, Tani Cantil-Sakauye continues her history-making career as the new  president and CEO one of the highly respected think tanks.

The Filipino American, a daughter of Filipino American farmworkers, barely had time to shed her black robe as the state's Chief Justice when she is assumes her new role leading the Public Policy Institute of California on Jan. 1 of the new year.

"I am fully committed to PPIC’s nonpartisan mission and efforts to improve public policy in California through independent research – without a thumb on the scale," said Cantil-Sakauye, "After all, who can say ‘no’ to facts?”

“It goes without saying that I and the members of the PPIC Board of Directors are absolutely thrilled that the Chief Justice will lend her extraordinary talents, expertise, and stature to advance our unique purpose and mission,” said Steve Merksamer, PPIC’s immediate past Board Chair who also chaired the CEO search committee.

“PPIC’s role as a nonpartisan, independent, fact-based resource for policymakers and influencers in the state is more important than it has ever been and having a thoughtful, seasoned and experienced leader at the helm is critical. Tani Cantil-Sakauye is such a leader.”

Cantil-Sakauye was sworn into office in January 2011 as the 28th Chief Justice of California, the first person of color and the second woman to serve as the state’s Chief Justice. She also chaired the Judicial Council of California and the Commission on Judicial Appointments. She has served for more than 20 years on California appellate and trial courts and has been appointed or elevated to higher office by three governors.

Cantil-Sakauye attended C. K. McClatchy High School and Sacramento City College before receiving her BA from the University of California, Davis, graduating with honors in 1980.

After taking a year off to visit her ancestral homeland, the Philippines, she entered the UC Davis, Martin Luther King, Jr., School of Law. After receiving her JD, she worked as a deputy district attorney for the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, she served on the senior staff of Governor Deukmejian, first as deputy legal affairs secretary and later as a deputy legislative secretary. Cantil-Sakauye announced her retirement from California’s high court in late July.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to join my fellow board members in their unanimous support and enthusiasm over this announcement,” stated Chet Hewitt, PPIC’s newly elected Board Chair. “We were fortunate to be able to consider a deeply qualified and diverse group of individuals in a rigorous search process which commenced with outreach to supporters, donors and to PPIC staff. In the end, we’ve selected a CEO who has managed large organizations and budgets and a highly regarded leader who brings a track record of impartiality and a strong commitment to non-partisan research and analysis.”

When she announced her decision to not return to the bench, Gov. Gavin Newsom, said, “From the wake of the Great Recession to a global pandemic, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye has led with a deep dedication to the rule of law, California values and the highest ideals of public service," ... "On behalf of a grateful state, I thank Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye for her nearly four decades of service to the people of California and wish her well in her next chapter.”

“I am both humbled and honored to have another opportunity to serve,” Cantil-Sakauye shared. “I understand this role will be different from my (former) one and yet I believe my skillset and experience have prepared me well for this task. "

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