With much sadness, the Ethics Center announces the passing of Director of Government Ethics Hana Callaghan, who served in her role since 2014. She is survived by her brother Peter Shields, husband Mike, sons Grant and Chad, daughter-in-law Andrea, and grandchildren Allison and James. Hana had a distinguished career in law and public service, government, and politics, and had recently authored Campaign Ethics: A Field Guide about engaging in and organizing ethical political campaigns.
Prior to her passing, Hana had just completed her second book, Voting for Ethics, to “create an ethical campaign movement”—an initiative she felt particularly passionate about. The Ethics Center has carried on Hana’s efforts to publish the book and is now releasing an updated second edition.
Hana served eloquently as the voice of the Ethics Center in all aspects of government ethics, and her astute analysis of politics and issues garnered her numerous media interviews with a variety of local and national media outlets. Her contributions to Santa Clara University and to the Ethics Center through teaching, public speaking, and dynamic videos that included interviews, as well as online learning, helped advance the community’s awareness of ethics in the political sphere. Hana was also an enthusiastic and accomplished screenwriter, and she and her son Chad received the Final Draft Grand Prize Award in June 2018 for a television pilot, “Portia’s Law.” In addition to being a devout feminist and a cancer survivor, she used her legal expertise to advocate for those battling health challenges. We will remember Hana for her kindness of spirit, and her warmth and generosity as a friend and colleague.
In tribute to Hana, we highlight below a sample of her recent appearances and publications through the Ethics Center. Additionally, her obituary in The Mercury News appears here.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hana's name to the American Cancer Society
Publications and Media Appearances
Fifteen Ideas for Reforming the Political Debate Process
Suggestions for improving political debates, based on the premise that our political process born out of the ethical ideal of creating an informed electorate.
The Markkula Rules of Ethical Engagement in Political Debates
Guidelines for ethical debate conduct by candidates.
Ethical Campaign Conduct: A Shining Example
How can we take back our political process and reign in the bad behavior on the campaign trail? Hana Callaghan suggests we need to start an ethical campaign movement.
Looking at the Mueller Report Through an Ethical Lens
While the Mueller Report identified several unethical activities, there were also public servants who refrained from actions they deemed to be wrong.
CBS News
CBS News poll on Trump impeachment inquiry
San Jose Mercury News
Kansas City Star
Cerner must guard against conflicts of interest as exec runs for Congress, experts say
Campaigns and Elections
Can Running an Ethical Campaign Help You Win?
Colorado Gazette
Some Salaried Staffers at The Colorado General Assembly Are Paid Extra By Political Committees
San Diego Union Tribune
Cost of Dean’s Charitable Work Picked Up by Cal State San Marcos