Michael Gunning is the chief strategy officer for Lighthouse Public Affairs and is a veteran of finance, housing policy, insurance and community development investment in California. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Gunning to the Teachers’ Retirement Board as a public representative in April 2022.

Previously, Gunning served on the California Housing Financing Agency board for more than a decade and was senior vice president of legislative affairs for the California Building Industry Association. In his role as the association’s chief advocate, Gunning represented the CBIA’s membership before the Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and other state agencies to vouch for intelligent, constructive policies that bolster the homebuilding industry and increase homeownership opportunities.

Gunning was also vice president for the Personal Insurance Federation of California, representing PIFC member companies before the Legislature, the Governor’s Office and the Department of Insurance.

He is chair of the board of directors for the Alliance for Community Development in Oakland, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to capital and support for local entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.

Gunning holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Claremont McKenna College and a master’s degree in public policy from Claremont Graduate School. He lives in Elk Grove with his wife, Kelly, and their daughters, Elon and Emma.

Michael Gunning serves on the following committees:

• Chair – Board Governance Committee
• Investment Committee