Arlyn Kihara, Deputy Director of Administration

Arlyn Kihara (pronounced Ar-leen) joined the Civil Rights Department (CRD) in June 2023 as Deputy Director of Administration where she oversees the Administrative Services Division, including the areas of Human Resources, Budgets/Accounting, and Business Services. Prior to joining CRD, she served as the Bureau Chief of Administration for the State Accounting and Reporting Division within the State Controller’s Office. In this role she led teams in Administrative Services, Financial Information Systems Technology, Strategic Planning, and Legislation. She led Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging efforts and oversaw the establishment of the employee engagement program for the division. In addition, Arlyn has worked at the California Department of Public Health in that agency’s Center for Environmental Health and Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, as well as for the Department of Health Care Services in the Provider Enrollment Division in different administrative capacities.

Arlyn has a Masters in Counseling and Bachelors of Arts from Sacramento State University. Prior to her state service, she was a school counselor and outreach consultant for Arcohe Unified School District. Public service has been the foundation of her upbringing, as both her parents were public school teachers. As a Filipino immigrant, she understands the value of the critical services that CRD provides for all Californians. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, gardening, and spending time with her family.