California Council on Science & Technology Announces Board Leadership Transition

Andrew McIlroy, PhD, appointed Chair of the Board of Directors following eight years of leadership by Peter Cowhey, PhD

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) today announced that Dr. Andrew McIlroy has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors, effective March 2026, succeeding Dr. Peter Cowhey, who will step down after eight years of exemplary service as Board Chair.

Dr. McIlroy joined CCST’s Board in 2020 and has served on the CCST Executive Committee and as Chair of the Program Committee. He brings to the Board Chair role extensive experience in science, engineering, research leadership and technology development. Most recently, he served as Associate Laboratories Director for Integrated Security Solutions at Sandia National Laboratories, leading the California campus until his recent retirement after more than 30 years of service. 

He began his career at Sandia as a post-doctoral researcher in the Combustion Research Facility and went on to lead major portfolios of energy, homeland security, research strategy, and partnerships. His scientific work included more than 40 published papers, and one milestone project led to the first observation of previously theorized combustion intermediates using the Advanced Light Source. As site steward, he oversaw major infrastructure improvements, improved efficiency of site operations, and cultivated international scientific collaboration — including helping to launch the Livermore Valley Open Campus.

Dr. McIlroy holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College and a PhD in Chemical Physics from the University of Colorado.

“It’s an honor to continue serving CCST in this new capacity,” said Dr. McIlroy. “Under Peter’s remarkable leadership, CCST has strengthened its role as a trusted partner to policymakers and a vital connector across California’s science and technology ecosystem. I’m eager to build on that foundation to help California meet its most pressing challenges with evidence, collaboration, and creativity.”

In his new role, Dr. McIlroy will help to guide CCST’s strategic vision, expand its engagement with state government and research partners, and advance its position at the nexus of innovation, policy, and public benefit.

Dr. Peter Cowhey — Dean and Qualcomm Professor Emeritus of Global Policy & Strategy at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California, San Diego — was named to CCST’s Council in 2007 and became Vice Chair in 2011. He has served as Chair of the Board of Directors since September 2018. Under his leadership, CCST expanded its fellowship and advisory programs, launched the Disaster Resilience Initiative, AI Policy Initiative and Legislative Staff Academy on Artificial Intelligence, and strengthened partnerships with California’s state agencies and research institutions.

“It has been a privilege to help advance CCST’s mission at such a pivotal time for California,” said Dr. Cowhey. “Since its founding in 1988, CCST has demonstrated the value of a nimble, nonpartisan organization dedicated to serving the State with science and technology expertise. As California continues to navigate increasingly complex and rapidly evolving challenges and opportunities — from climate resilience to artificial intelligence — CCST’s ability to convene experts, build trusted partnerships, and deliver timely, evidence-based insights has never been more essential. The organization’s growing influence demonstrates the critical role science and technology play in building a resilient, equitable future for our state.”

“Peter has led CCST with vision, diplomacy, and wisdom,” said Dr. Julianne McCall, Chief Executive Officer of CCST. “His commitment to connecting science and policy in service to California communities has left an enduring legacy. CCST’s success today reflects his leadership.”

With Dr. McIlroy’s appointment, CCST embarks on a new chapter of strategic growth and service to the State of California. The organization extends its profound appreciation to Dr. Cowhey for his distinguished tenure and far-reaching contributions, and welcomes Dr. McIlroy’s leadership in advancing CCST’s mission to inform California’s policymaking with rigor, foresight, and scientific expertise.

###

About CCST
The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization established via a unanimous vote of the California State Legislature in 1988. CCST engages leading experts in science and technology to advise state policymakers, ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by research, innovation, and evidence.

About the CCST Board of Directors
The Board of Directors supports CCST’s mission to provide independent and objective advice to policymakers on public policy issues important to the State of California. In addition to the Chair positions, there are 11 seats that represent CCST’s partner institutions: the University of California, California State University System, National Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of California, and the California Community College System. The remaining eight independent board positions represent California’s business, policy, and philanthropic communities. Read Dr. McIlroy’s biography on his Board page.