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In Memoriam, William “Bill” Chiat
CSAC Institute Dean

July 16, 2020

The County Family lost one of its biggest champions last week with the unexpected death of William “Bill” Chiat. For 12 years, Bill served as Dean of the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government, bringing life to CSAC’s vision of a continuing education program designed specifically for county officials.

Helping to fulfill a goal of CSAC to create a professional development suite for new and experienced California County elected officials, executives and senior staff, Bill played an integral leading role in founding the CSAC Institute For Excellence in County Government in 2008.  From its inception, Bill helped shape a vision for the Institute, shepherding the launch of the first course, The Art & Practice of Elected Leadership on February 12, 2009. Bill played an instrumental role in the development of the Credential and Fellow programs and the expansion of the Institute to five regional campuses that provided professional development opportunities for county officials and staff throughout the state. Tens of thousands of individuals have taken advantage of this opportunity to help them better serve their residents.

Under Bill’s direction, the CSAC Institute is now considered the premier continuing education program for county officials in the country.

Most recently, Bill was involved with guiding the Institute, now operated by the California Counties Foundation, Inc., to online learning and the COVID-19 Pandemic Leadership Resource Center with on-demand webinars and a host of curated articles.

Over the course of his tenure, Bill touched the lives of countless Institute class attendees, but most significantly the 86 Institute Fellows, 49 Supervisor Credential Recipients, 741 County Senior Executive Credential Recipients and 167 IT Credential Recipients who have completed advanced course work via the Institute.

A gifted facilitator and educator, Bill helped organizations and communities alike navigate discussions of complex and difficult issues. A results-oriented project manager with a specialty in interdepartmental and intergovernmental projects, Bill was also a trusted coach and mentor to elected officials, board members and executive staff. His unique combination of knowledge, skills, abilities and enthusiasm will be deeply missed.

Bill was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and held a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. An International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager, Bill also graduated from the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program and the Leadership Practices Program from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Bill was Director of Alta Mesa Group, LLC where he served as a facilitator and organizational and executive leadership development consultant for local governments. Prior to the CSAC Institute, Bill held numerous senior staff positions, including serving in Napa and Santa Barbara Counties as well as the Arizona Governor’s Office.

The CSAC Team, all 58 California Counties and communities throughout the State are in a much better place today because of Bill’s immeasurable contributions to county government and his superb commitment to excellence. Bill will be dearly missed but his legacy will live forever through the many of us who knew him or had the opportunity to learn from him. 

A private service was held earlier this week. Bill is survived by his husband Jim and extended family. Condolences may be sent to James Gladfelter, 324 Alta Mesa Circle, Napa, CA 94558. Additionally, the William S. Chiat If Given A Chance Scholarship Fund for extraordinary youth has recently been established in Bill’s memory. Learn more about If Given a Chance here. Contributions, noting the William Chiat scholarship designation, may be sent to If Given a Chance, PO Box 2607, Napa, CA 94558. 

Comments have been enabled for this post. We invite you to leave a message below in honor of Bill. Consider sharing memories of your favorite class, or a tribute to Bill’s incredible contribution to the CSAC Institute and the County Family.

Comments

Bill's Legacy

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 9:21am.
Having worked closely with Bill in the founding and development of the CSAC Institute, I personally saw his passion to make all of us better public servants and better human beings. Bill inspired us to look within ourselves and find our own passions. That will be his legacy. John Gioia, Contra Costa Supervisor

Tremendous contribution to CSAC

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 9:43am.
Anyone who had the opportunity to work with him – or take one of his popular courses – is a better person because of it. Bill made people think, get out of their comfort zones and grow as individuals. Graham Knaus, CSAC Executive Director

Inspiring leader and visionary

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 12:23pm.
Bill was an inspiring leader in the realm of public service. He was always ready with stories to highlight the different challenges public service administrators face, and had great suggestions. His passion for developing future leaders was evident in the way he conducted his courses and how he made him self available to anyone with questions. He will be missed. Alex Kahn, Chief, Agency Operations County of San Diego Child Welfare Services

A Great Loss

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 12:31pm.
Bill Chiat was a wonderful instructor and someone I loved to chat with during breaks and after class. He was truly full of life and the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression. This is a stunning loss. My sincere condolences to his husband Jim, family, and friends.

Such a Loss

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 12:37pm.
This is such a terrible loss. Bill's insight and dedication will be greatly missed. Mark Bryan, Yolo County

Commitment to Education

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 12:41pm.
I worked with Bill for the past couple years in partnership with the CSUSB Master of Public Administration program. He was always so positive and energetic and dedicated to the growth and development of county employees. I will miss this good person.

Remembering Bill

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 12:44pm.
It was an honor and a privilege to work with Bill through the CSAC labor relations academy. He was passionate about and devoted to the professional development of public agency officers and employees and it showed in the courses he supported. I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to serve with Bill. Rick Bolanos, Partner, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

His influence will have long lasting impact on California

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 12:50pm.
I had the opportunity to participate in a strategy session facilitated by Bill for a county where I used to work. His facilitation skills were unparalleled; he was able to bring a wide variety of opinionated people to agree on the same directives and plan. He had a lot of experience from across the State and that was part of why he had our trust and confidence. His guidance through these types of sessions, as well as his teaching in courses will have long-lasting impact for California and the citizens we serve. Amanda Sharp, Deputy Director, Placer County HHS.

Bill shaped the way we serve the public

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 1:27pm.
I met Bill in my first CSAC Institute Class in 2013. He was a very talented presenter. He incorporated his own experiences into his instruction. There were always important "takeaways" students could put to use immediately. Bill made me a better student. He made me a better presenter. He made me a better facilitator. By extension, every attendee of Bill's courses and other courses in the CSAC Institute are better for having attended. All of Bill's students have been able to share his knowledge throughout all 58 California counties. He improved how we all serve the public. I am grateful Bill gave so much of himself to so many of us. John Mineau, Undersheriff. Monterey County Sheriff's Office

Such Passion!!

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 1:29pm.
This is a stunning loss! I very much enjoyed Bill's teaching, he was so passionate about every subject. I will miss our chat's between class. My sincere condolences to his family! Bradley Childers, Network & Systems Manager Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder.

An Inspiring Leader

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 1:40pm.
I had the great pleasure of being trained by Bill in 2018 and throughout 2019 in the New Supervisors' Training Program. He then came to Mendocino County to work with staff in both Mendocino and Lake counties. Bill had that great combination of professionalism and personal connection with everyone. I very much admired his knowledge, experience, and who he was as a person. John Haschak, Supervisor, Mendocino County

A lasting legacy

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 1:47pm.
Working with Bill was an extraordinary gift. I learned much and we laughed much. But, more importantly, I found a colleague with a deep and unwavering commitment to excellence in democratic governance. He modeled what he taught, and always kept kindness, integrity, self-reflection, and the public good in the forefront. Team teaching the Institute Fellows with Bill was a singular career experience, never had I looked forward to "work" so much. His knowledge, experience and passion allowed him to consistently connect to the individuals in the room. Participants changed the way they thought and behaved because of his words; the trickle down effect of his work is beyond what we can ever know. His presence will be profoundly missed. But, his work will carry on in the myriad individuals he touched, each of us working to do better because he nudged us along. Mary Kirlin, Institute instructor and Fellows co-teacher

Passionate Educator

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 2:12pm.
I've attended numerous trainings led by Bill. This is truly a loss to the local government sector. It was clear and transparent that Bill had a love and passionate for the work he did. His care and dedication was admirable and I'm saddened to hear about his sudden passing. His legacy will live on through all those he taught, including myself. Ariana Adame, Planning Manager City of Stockton

Great vitality and commitment to public service

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 2:39pm.
Bill brought a great energy and commitment to the value of public service. I will very much miss working with him When Bill asked to meet with Tim Hodson and me in 2008 to discuss forming the institute, I struck by his vision of a state-wide institute. With each county location added, I saw a reflection Bill's commitment public service, contributions to county government and his energy. In teaching in the program over the past 12 years, I always appreciated Bill's support and his commitment to the best experience possible for those in class. I am deeply saddened by his death, and the loss to each of those who worked with him and his family. My deepest sympathy to Jim, his family and friends. Rich Callahan, Institute Instructor.

Bill will be missed

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 3:04pm.
I had the pleasure of working with Bill frequently during a six-year stint as CSACs Communications Coordinator. He was so knowledgeable and had a real passion for sharing that knowledge with other people in the county family. I am shocked and very sad to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family and to the many people who knew him learned from him and were mentored by him. Gregg Fishman

Consummate Educator

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 3:51pm.
Such terrible news. I was on a webinar Bill held a couple of weeks ago, and as always, he was right on top of things even in this crazy COVID environment with classes and learnings that were spot on. Throughout the years I have taken CSAC Institute courses, Bill was always such a gentleman and one of the most knowledgeable people about local government that I have had the pleasure to know. He made learning fun and I will truly miss his teaching. My sincerest condolences to his CSAC colleagues and family.

Heartfelt Condolences and Sympathy!

Submitted by Visitor on July 16, 2020 - 5:41pm.
Dear CSAC Colleagues - What a tremendous loss for the CSAC family and for the leaders that have counted on Bill's exceptional instruction and partnerships that he fostered with policy-makers, professors and academic institutions. Thank you for sharing the news so we could share our respects for Bill and his service to counties and local governments. Please pass along my condolences to the family of Bill and to his extended network of colleagues, passionate leaders, and public service professionals. Randi Kay Stephens, MPA | Program Manager Institute for Local Government

Outstanding educator and public servant

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 6:47am.
The breadth of subjects and experts Bill brought to the CSAC Institute reflected his deep understanding of the workings of State and County governments. As a county supervisor, I found many nuggets of golden advice from speakers Bill selected for the classes, as well as his occasional stories of challenges he took on in his prior work in State government in Massachusetts and Arizona. Bill was a thoughtful and outstanding educator and a true public servant. He will be missed.

His work will live on

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 8:46am.
I’ve had the honor to both work with and take classes from Bill. He was an amazing man who led the creation of many classes for best practices of county governance. His work will live on, but he will be missed. -- Gregory Hutchins

An incredible leader and educator

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 8:49am.
The CSAC family & public service generally, suffered a deep loss with the unexpected passing of Bill Chiat. Bill was an incredible leader and educator and a genuinely nice guy. In my last class w/him, he wisely counseled: “As a leader, learn to be vulnerable.” -- Robert Rogers, Contra Costa County

Let's Name the Institute After Bill Chiat

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 12:13pm.
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Chiat this past week. Bill was a friend and colleague who will be sorely missed by the California County family. When I became the Executive Director of CSAC, I recognized that the organization provided the perfect base for a learning program to make existing leaders more effective and to grow the leaders of tomorrow. This was an added service we could provide to our member counties of incalculable value. In 2008, I hired Bill Chiat to develop the learning program; the CAC Institute was born. Bill grew the program immensely during my tenure; achieving or surpassing all the goals we had established for the program. Today, as noted, it is the premiere local government learning program in the United States. Bill Chiat brought it to that level. I would suggest that, in memoriam, that the CSAC institute be named for Bill Chiat moving forward. Rest in peace my friend. Paul McIntosh

Insightful, passionate and smart

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 1:10pm.
I knew Bill when we both worked in Santa Barbara County, and remember him as an incredible instructor and facilitator. He had the perfect combination of charisma and intelligence; passion and dedication. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Bill. Joe Guzzardi, SLO County Admin/OES.

Leadership Personified

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 2:25pm.
Bill was a friend, colleague and mentor to me in Santa Barbara County. He created an environment that provided opportunities for growth through the Employees' University. His leadership efforts created pathways for us to collaborate across departments to better accomplish the work of the County. Bill nurtured and fostered the leadership potential of many staff, managers and executives and created a feeling of unity within the County organization. He was an inspirational leader and a tremendously talented executive. Public servants in cities and counties across California have suffered a great loss with his passing. Michele Mickiewicz, Santa Barbara County Public Health (retired)

A Mentor for Excellence

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 2:49pm.
I had the pleasure of being a student and colleague of Bill's. Most recently, we served on the CSAC Foundation Board together. He facilitated the visioning exercises on how to continue to expand the effectiveness of the Institute for the future benefit of all counties. He was masterful. I am thankful for all of us that we were able to harness his contributions for the future vision. I also had the pleasure of serving in the new Institute faculty sessions with Bill. He was mentoring all of us to be able to carry on and multiply his excellence and influence (although he would never had said it that way). In addition to his intellect and political astuteness, I admired his style. I knew when Bill showed up to lead a class or discussion, he'd lead with his colorful and polished style - a trademark. I will miss Bill's leadership and friendship and my deepest condolences to his family. Tami Douglas-Schatz, Human Resources Director, San Luis Obispo County.

Sorry to lose a real mensch

Submitted by Visitor on July 17, 2020 - 5:53pm.
Bill was always an energizing and welcome presence whenever our paths crossed. His passion for public service was magnified by his commitment to excellence, and promoting competent, effective, innovative governance was clearly his calling. He set a standard that raised our own sights at ILG. What a loss, but what a contribution. Steve Sanders, former Program Director, Institute for Local Government.

A teacher, mentor, wonderful human being, Bill Chiat

Submitted by Visitor on July 18, 2020 - 2:34pm.
I was truly saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was one of those people in life that you call a friend, mentor, teacher, leader, visionary and good human. As a new Ventura County Supervisor, serving on our local Lafco Board, I reached out to Bill to better understand our purpose. He was always so knowledgeable, giving of his time, and patient. I always trusted his advice. Joining the Calafco Board just enriched my appreciation for the role of Lafco's in our state and the importance of envisioning future policies to create a state we can all be proud of --Bill understood that and inspired many leaders to appreciate it. I especially enjoyed our social times and enjoying Bill's great smile, laughter and a great glass of wine --which he would always pick! Having served on my Board for 20 years, was there for the creation of the CSAC Institute, I support recognizing Bill's tremendous contribution by naming the Institute in his honor. Rest in peace dear Bill. Kathy Long, Ventura County Supervisor 1997-2017

Mentor at a distance...

Submitted by Visitor on July 20, 2020 - 3:13pm.
I only knew of Bill through CSAC courses; he didn't know me. But every interaction between Bill and I were very kind and compassionate interactions. He didn't know me, but made me feel that whatever I had to say was worth the time to stop and mentor. He was quite engaging and very patient when communicating with everyone else in the class. I didn't know Bill personally, but the interactions that I had with him and those that I witnessed with others left a lasting impression. Thank you, Bill. I am very grateful to have had the honor of meeting you. Rest peacefully.

Bill You Will BeMissed

Submitted by Visitor on July 20, 2020 - 6:02pm.
It with sorrow that I have learned of Bill's passing and I will miss him. It was reassuring to know that he was available to offer sage advice. When I was a newcomer to local government in California, he taught me about the history, peculiarities, and best practices in county management. Bill, you left a strong legacy and my condolences to your partner, Jim. David Randall

Bill was Inspirational in So Many Ways

Submitted by Visitor on July 21, 2020 - 2:53pm.
Through the Institute, I was captivated by his presence, thoughtfulness and inspiring creative solutions and approaches to challenges in government. He leaves a legacy of supervisors better prepared to work together and approach issues in collaborative and innovative ways. Bill, indeed, you will be missed by many.

RIP Dear Bill

Submitted by Visitor on July 23, 2020 - 10:23am.
I will miss seeing Bill at events and will always remember the lessons he taught me .... they carry me through these difficult times we find ourselves in. RIP dear Bill. -- Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff

Bill Helped Me Realized Leadership Skills in Myself

Submitted by Visitor on July 23, 2020 - 10:24am.
Bill was so dedicated to providing knowledge to county staff and elected officials so they could better provide to their communities. I am so thankful for the leadership skills Bill helped me to realize in myself. Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian

A Tremendous Loss

Submitted by Visitor on July 23, 2020 - 6:25pm.
I am so saddened to hear this. What a tremendous loss to all that serve and work for the people of our state. A true leader who had a genuine love to help others reach their potential. No words can capture the gut punch I felt upon hearing of his passing. Condolences to his husband, family, and friends. Pete Judy

Very Sad News!!!

Submitted by Visitor on July 27, 2020 - 1:31pm.
During 2018 and 2019, I took quite a few CSAC courses up in Sacramento, with Bill as the instructor. Bill was one of the best orators and instructors CSAC had to offer. He was always a pleasure to speak with after class or during breaks and always took the time to look you in the eye and truly listen. One particular class that he led was called “Storytelling and Other Practices in the Art of Persuasion,” which he started off dressed in character and began to tell us one of his many stories that he had to offer. A tremendous loss to CSAC and the community of counties throughout the state!

Promoter of Good Government

Submitted by Visitor on August 4, 2020 - 12:35pm.
Bill was committed to creating better public servants, professional and educated leaders, and meaningful interaction amongst colleagues. He was friendly and helpful to everyone. Always had a kind word and a big smile. He made a difference and he will be truly missed. Shasta County Supervisor Leonard Moty

An Inspirational Instructor

Submitted by Visitor on August 5, 2020 - 3:31pm.
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill when the County of Riverside hosted the CSAC Institute a few years back. He had a great presence and always had awesome stories to tell that helped illustrate the topic of discussion in the real world. The thing that drew me to him was is availability. Many times after completing the CSAC credential, I reached out to him with questions and he was always willing to provide his advise and support. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and love for what we do and the people we serve. Thank you Bill...it was a pleasure knowing you. Shondi Miller, Learning and Organizational Development - County of Riverside

Shocked at Bill Passing

Submitted by Visitor on August 13, 2020 - 7:09am.
Bill sent Freddie and me an email on July 8th telling us about his heart attack and how he was back walking and doing laps in the pool , so it was a shock when we learned on August 12th that he had passed!!! Bill and I spent many hours at CSAC discussing how county governments could improve, and going over Jim and his wonderful trips around the world . He was a strong advocate for County Executive's knowing that they are the ones that make county government work. Bill was the facilitator at many annual meeting of the California Association of County Executives (CACE) and put together special program for County Executive, such as ,"So you want to be a County Executive". He was always working to come up with new programs to further county government.No one is irreplaceable but some are harder than others. What will be missed with Bill's passing is not the administration of the CSAC Institute but the creative spirit the kept the classes and seminars cutting edge and inspirational. Many years ago, my late Uncle Bill said, ," You are alive as long as you are remembered." We will all remember Bill with fond memories for the rest of our lives. Terry Schutten retired Executive Director of CACE and former County Executive for Sacramento County.

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