SACRAMENTO, California (AP) – The change is reaching the top of Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, as California faces its deadliest period to date in the coronavirus pandemic.
Newsom announced Monday that its chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, would leave office in mid-January after two years on paper. Jim DeBoo, the longtime staff and member of the Capitol, will take over the leadership of the governor’s staff on Jan. 1.
From day one, @Ann_OLeary it has been my right hand: I have helped build a diverse team and it has led us to many crises. From forest fires to pandemics, he has served CA with everything and has focused on improving the lives of all who call this state home.
Thanks, Ann! pic.twitter.com/3skZh7bFQI
– Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 22, 2021
“When we started this trip in 2018, none of us could predict the perfect crisis storm that would affect California and test its leadership,” O’Leary wrote in a resignation letter, referring to the pandemic. forest fires, the failure of the most useful state and protests against police brutality.
Leadership transition has been widely expected. It’s not uncommon for a governor to shake up staff in the middle of a term and O’Leary could be on the line to take a place in the Biden administration, though nothing has been announced.
But the transition also represents a change of direction and approach for the Newsom administration. O’Leary, a former political adviser to Hillary Clinton, had limited relationships in Sacramento and was selected in part to help Newsom pursue ambitious policies related to children and families. But the administration soon bounced back from crisis to crisis, rapidly changing its political and political priorities.
Meanwhile, DeBoo is an insider of the Capitol who, according to observers, has cunning political instincts that will benefit Newsom when the new year enters with a worsening pandemic, a pending economic recovery and the threat of a withdrawal.
DeBoo, who ran his own communications company in Sacramento, worked on behalf of large clients such as the California Medical Association, the California Apartment Association and T-Mobile. It ended its record as a pressure group earlier this month. He also took the top seats from former Assembly Speaker John Perez.
“Jim DeBoo has a long legacy of service at all levels of government and as we continue to lead our state through these unprecedented challenges, his ability to bring people together and drive top priorities for Californians it will be crucial, ”Newsom said in a statement.
DeBoo will assume the title of executive secretary instead of chief of staff; it is the title previously held by the highest staff member of the governor’s office. The job includes overseeing the governor’s staff and communications and messaging strategy, as well as the office’s relationship with lawmakers. She will work closely with Ana Matosantos, secretary of the Newsom cabinet.
DeBoo said in a statement that it hopes to help the state “recover, thrive and grow.” He will earn $ 207,000 a year.