Grant D. Gillham
Born and raised in downstate Illinois, Grant was reared on big state politics...
Over the years, Grant has honed his skills as a political consultant, working and managing legislative campaigns, and statewide initiatives. He has either managed or worked as a contributing consultant on some of the largest initiatives in California history. He is an expert in state government affairs, managing client campaigns at the state level throughout the United States and in Washington, D.C.
After graduating from St. Paul High School in 1975, Grant attended Tulane University where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979.
Soon after college graduation Grant enlisted in the United States Air Force and was quickly commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After completing flight training in Del Rio, Texas, he served as a pilot and aircrew commander in the Strategic Air Command, and later as a flight instructor and flight evaluator in the Tactical Air Command. While in the Air Force, Grant qualified in the T-37, T-38, T-41, KC-135, E-3, and B-707 aircraft.
Grant received extensive military education in management and leadership. He is a graduate of the Air Force’s Officer Training School and the prestigious Squadron Officer School (the latter in residence, an honor afforded to a select few Air Force officers.) The emphasis on leadership and management cannot be overstated at these two schools. The Air Force naturally assumed each pilot could proficiently handle his aircraft -- a premium is placed on officers who exhibit the leadership and management skills necessary to assume higher levels of responsibility.
As a KC-135 Air Refueling Tanker and E-3 AWACS aircraft commander, this leadership training was put to the test while flying intercepts of Soviet aircraft in the North Atlantic, during the Iran-Iraq war, the invasion of Panama, and the national war against drug smugglers, just to name a few examples.
Leaving the Air Force with the rank of Captain, Grant relocated in Sacramento, California and began his career as a legislative aide and later chief of staff, communications director, and policy director for several prominent California legislators.
During this time Grant honed his skills as a political consultant, working and managing legislative campaigns, and statewide initiatives. He has either managed or worked as a contributing consultant on some of the largest initiatives in California history.
In 1997 Grant founded CalNews.com, an Internet news site devoted to providing “must have” news and information for political professionals in California and around the nation. Wall Street Journal editorial board member and columnist John Fund recognized CalNews.com as a leader in news and information for political professionals.
In 1999 Grant formed the Gillham Professional Group, a company geared to managing the strategic planning and government relations programs of Fortune 500 companies in the various state capitols around the country. The Gillham Professional Group provides clients with deliberate advice on political timing, overcoming regulatory hurdles, swaying public perception, and how to develop relationships with the right persons and agencies in government.