Chief of Police

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Chief Philip L. Gonshak began his law enforcement career at the Tempe, Arizona Police Department in 2000 before joining the Seal Beach Police Department in 2007. Since joining Seal Beach, he has served as a Police Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, and Commander where he has had a variety of assignments in patrol, field training, special investigation, narcotics, and SWAT operator and sniper. Additionally, he served as the West County SWAT Commander prior to his promotion, a regional team which serves the cities of Seal Beach, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, and Westminster.

Chief Gonshak has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a POST Management Certificate, and a master’s degree in Public Administration, all from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), go Beach! He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute’s Class #384, the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Point Leadership Program, and the FBI National Academy Class #260. Furthermore, Chief Gonshak currently serves as an adjunct professor teaching public administration courses at his alma mater, CSULB.

Chief Gonshak has three daughters, two grandchildren, and has been married to his wife, Stephanie Janis, for nearly 15 years. He spends his free time with his family and building, manufacturing, or welding an off road vehicle in his home garage.