Sacramento - Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire and the entire State Senate recognized the tireless work of Mark Ghilarducci, former Director of the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in his retirement after more than a decade in the role. Ghilarducci was appointed to lead Cal OES by Governor Jerry Brown in 2013, and again by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019. He’s delivered time and time again for residents in the North Bay and North Coast.

“Throughout his tenure, Mr. Ghilarducci was a bright light guiding the Golden State through our darkest of days. A true California hero, he coordinated emergency response to America’s largest and most destructive wildfires, massive earthquakes, historic droughts, cybersecurity attacks, challenges at the border, along with our state’s nation-leading efforts to combat the pandemic. Through thick and thin, in big cities and small, we could count on Mark showing up and delivering when folks needed it the most including right here in the North Bay and North Coast,” said Senator McGuire.

“Nobody has done more than Mark Ghilarducci to help California overcome significant recent disasters,” said Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa). “Mark has been true leader, guiding our state through wildfires, floods and earthquakes. His work was especially meaningful in my community, which was hard-hit by fires in the last few years. We are all better off for his sense of urgency and resolve as well as the resources he helped bring to bear to ensure our recovery.”

Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Cal OES Director Nancy Ward to replace Ghilarducci in 2022. She is the first woman to serve in the role.

Ghilarducci recently announced his membership of the Board of Directors at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).