JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan announced Tuesday the appointment of a new chief of staff. This comes days after the city announced former Chief of Staff Pat McCollough would no longer serve in that role.
The city announced Florida Blue North Region Market President Darnell Smith will now serve as the chief of staff starting on Jan. 2, 2024.
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According to the city, Smith is currently responsible for Florida Blue’s market growth and community involvement across 36 North Florida counties. He previously served as Florida Blue’s Group Vice President.
Smith was also co-chair of Mayor Deegan’s transition team.
“I’m excited and grateful that Darnell is joining the Mayor’s Office to lead our talented team,” said Deegan. “He will build upon our administration’s early successes, and with decades of experience and a deep love of Jacksonville, I believe he will maximize this transformational moment in time for our city.”
Smith said it is an honor to have been appointed to this new role.
“I believe in her vision of an inclusive and thriving city that works for all of us – and the shared value that our community is stronger when it’s united. I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Deegan and the team to take big steps forward for our city,” Smith said.
Last week, the mayor’s office announced McCollough was leaving her role after five months of serving. She was also Deegan’s campaign manager during her election.
READ | Chief of Staff for Mayor Donna Deegan out after 5 months on the job
“After working many years in politics and government, Pat is considering how she wants to serve next. I’m truly grateful for her leadership. Under Pat’s guidance, we won a hard fought campaign, smoothly transitioned into office, and made significant progress for Jacksonville, including unanimous passage of our bipartisan task force legislation,” the mayor’s office said in a statement.