David Ortiz (Rhode Island)
David Ortiz is a Democratic political advisor in the state of Rhode Island. Ortiz was the chief of staff for the gubernatorial administration of Gina Raimondo (D).[1] Raimondo first appointed Ortiz as chief of staff effective January 2020, following her appointment of former Chief of Staff Brett Smiley as acting director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration.[2] Ortiz served until March 2, 2021, when Gov. Raimondo resigned to become U.S. secretary of commerce.[3]
Career
Before entering politics, Ortiz worked as a journalist and wrote for Providence Business News.[2] He entered politics as a staffer for former mayor of Providence Angel Taveras (D) and later worked as communications director for Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner (D). He first started working in Raimondo's administration as a press secretary.[4]
Gina Raimondo chief of staff
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On December 3, 2019, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Ortiz as chief of staff.[2] He served until March 2, 2021, when Gov. Raimondo resigned to become U.S. secretary of commerce.[3]
Chief of staff
- See also: Gubernatorial chiefs of staff
In 2020, Ballotpedia identified David Ortiz (Rhode Island) as a gubernatorial chief of staff. A chief of staff is the lead staff member of an administration and is responsible for implementing the governor's agenda.
The role is both a managerial and advisory position, although specific duties vary by each administration. The chief of staff typically has the following responsibilities, according to the National Governors Association (NGA):[5]
- Control access to the governor and manage the governor's calendar;
- Monitor the flow of information to the governor on policy issues;
- Oversee gubernatorial Cabinet and staff; and
- Manage and communicate the governor's policy agenda to the state legislature and the public.
In terms of policymaking, the NGA notes that a chief of staff is responsible for bringing policy and communications together: "The chief is responsible for overseeing the development of the governor’s policy agenda. The policy director or advisor is typically responsible for shaping the general concepts and specific details of the agenda with input from the communications director, policy staff, and cabinet members. The chief often must take charge and bring the pieces together coherently."[5]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Rhode Island Department of State, "Directory of Government Officials," accessed October 4, 2020
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Providence Journal, "Raimondo picks Brett Smiley to lead R.I. Department of Administration," December 3, 2019
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 WPRI, "Raimondo wins US Senate confirmation, resigns as governor," March 2, 2021
- ↑ WPRI.com, "Raimondo reshuffles senior staff; Senate unhappy," December 3, 2019
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 National Governors Association, "The Many Roles of the Governor’s Chief of Staff," accessed April 20, 2021
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